NJ Finds 124 Unregistered Post-Sandy Contractors, Some In Atlantic County

New Jersey inspectors have found 124 unregistered contractors doing work on homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy since January.

Investigators with the state Division of Consumer Affairs in Atlantic, Ocean and Monmouth counties contacted nearly 630 contractors to ensure they are properly registered with the division. The contractors were either working on storm-damaged homes or seeking business at area home improvement shows.

Unregistered contractors will get a warning first; subsequent violations will result in fines.

The registration requirements apply to roofers, masons, window installers or any other type of home improvement contractor.

Eric Kanefsky, the agency's acting director, says homeowners should make sure a company is registered before hiring them to do any work. Among other things, contractors have to have at least $500,000 in liability insurance.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)