Connecticut homeowners urged to avoid unlicensed contractors
Over 1,000 home improvement complaints yearly prompt consumer protection reminder.
CONNECTICUT, USA — With spring renovation season underway, the state Department of Consumer Protection reminded all homeowners to hire only registered contractors and secure a detailed written contract before starting any home improvement work.
The department received over 1,000 complaints annually related to home improvement issues, including incomplete projects, substandard workmanship and dealings with unregistered contractors.
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In 2024 alone, 60 complaints involved deposits paid with no work completed and 265 complaints were filed against unregistered contractors.
“Before you hire, ask for trusted recommendations from people you know for contractors who have completed similar work to the project you are hiring for. In other words, don’t hire someone to remodel your bathroom who specializes in fence repairs,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli.
He noted that legitimate contractors won’t ask for over one-third of the project cost up front and that they won’t pressure someone to use an untraceable form of payment.
“These details and more should be outlined in a contract agreed to by both you and the contractor prior to the start of the project,” Cafferelli said.
Officials recommended that contracts follow the “CATER” checklist: Credentials, Abstract of the project, Timeline, Expense breakdown and the customer’s Right to Cancel.
Deposits should not exceed one-third of the total project cost and should be paid through traceable methods such as credit cards or checks, not cash or peer-to-peer apps.
Consumers should also verify that contractors have valid insurance and, if required, building permits are secured before work begins.
“Legitimate contractors will never pressure you to pay upfront or in cash,” Cafferelli said.
Chris Charbonneau is an Assignment Editor at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected].
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