One of the biggest challenges facing homeowners is the search for reputable, reliable and competent home improvement contractors. For those owners without any construction knowledge or background, hiring contractors to perform substantial construction work on their homes, such as installing home additions, pavers and pools, patios, decks, roofs, siding or home remodeling, is a risky venture. Fortunately for them, the protections afforded by New Jersey’s consumer fraud laws and regulations are all-encompassing and easily triggered.
From the stringent requirements of the Contractors’ Registration Act (CRA), N.J.S.A. 56:8-136 et seq., and the New Jersey Home Improvement Practice Regulations (HIPR), N.J.A.C. 13:45A-16.1 et seq., to the sweeping provisions and applicability of the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA), N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq., consumers have more leverage and remedies than they may think in dealing with contractors. From the initial pitch to the contract to the performance of the actual work, contractors must walk a fine line to not violate the litany of consumer protection laws applicable to home improvement transactions.
