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May 13, 2005
Buyer bewareD.A. SPONSORS SEMINAR ON UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS
By DOUG McMURDO Beckett on Wednesday said that it is a crime to build without a contractor's license. Like most crimes, there is a victim involved and financial ruin is often the end result of doing business with unlicensed contractors. While police and investigators track down the offending builders, Beckett said successful prosecutions don't always result in the victim being made whole by the unlicensed builder. With that in mind, the district attorney is sponsoring a seminar for would-be homebuyers designed to keep them from being victimized. At 11 a.m. May 25 at the Pahrump Senior Center, two representatives from the state contractor's board - criminal investigator Bill Adamson and compliance investigator Greg Mincheff - will discuss several items that should prevent prospective homebuyers, or those who want an addition or garage built, from being harmed. Topics include consumer guides to hiring a contractor, home improvement tips, a senior citizens' guide to hiring contractors and the homeowner bill of rights. While the vast majority of those involved in Pahrump's construction industry are conscientious and build a good product, Beckett said the problem of shoddy contractors - some licensed but most unlicensed - has spread in recent years. "We'll concentrate on things to watch out for, how to negotiate so you don't give them too much money upfront ... the entire goal is to remind buyers they need to be aware," said Beckett, adding, "This will help people do their homework, their due diligence and avoid the pitfalls." John Marotta, an investigator with Beckett's office, said that oftentimes a victim will contact the sheriff's office to file a complaint and the responding deputy deems the issue a civil matter when in fact fraud might have occurred. "Unless the deputy has heard similar stories he or she has no idea whether a crime has occurred," Marotta said. Lunch will be served, and the seminar is open to all interested parties. |
