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By The Ferraro Group
In support of its ongoing mission to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public and promote integrity and professionalism in the construction industry, the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) joined 12 states in a national enforcement effort led by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) to combat unlicensed construction activities.
Over the course of three weeks, the NSCB visited 168 jobsites across the state where licensed and unlicensed contractors were found in violation of NRS Chapter 624. The Board also conducted a consumer awareness summer workshop and two coordinated undercover operations in which six of ten individuals were found to be unlawfully contracting. In total, the Board’s efforts resulted in 28 criminal cases opened against unlicensed contractors, and the issuance of 19 Cease and Desist Orders, 26 Administrative Citations, and three Violation Letters.
“The dangers of unlicensed contracting activities are not often apparent to the victim until it is too late,” cautions NSCB Executive Officer Margi A. Grein. “Our goal at the Contractors Board will always be protection of the public, and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute to a national conversation about the importance of hiring licensed contractors. We want those operating unlawfully to know we are working daily to prevent them from harming members of our community, and we encourage the public to always verify a contractor is properly licensed with the Contractors Board to ensure they have access to every option for remedy and recourse available in their time of need.”
The Nevada State Contractors Board makes verifying a contractor’s license convenient and easy through its website – www.nscb.nv.gov – or by downloading its mobile application (NSCB Mobile). A license is best searched using the contractor’s license number, but can also be searched using the company name. Once entered, it is important to verify the status of a license is “active,” ensure the license classification aligns with the work being performed, andreview any disciplinary action that may have been taken against the licensee.
“The NSCB offers many resources for the public to utilize during all stages of a construction project,” explains NSCB Director of Investigations David Behar. “Beyond verifying a contractor’s license is active, homeowners are encouraged to file a complaint with the Board when they are unable to resolve issues with their contractor or they do not feel the terms of their contract have been adhered to.”
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Engaging in home repair projects with unlicensed contractors, regardless of the scope or size of project, can lead to unintended consequences for homeowners in the event something goes wrong. While the NSCB is able to identify options for remedy when validated issues concerning licensed contractors are found during the investigative process, the same is not true for complaints filed against unlicensed contractors.
Unlicensed investigations may result in validating workmanship concerns and pursuit of criminal charges when warranted, however, the homeowner involved is often only able to seek remedy through civil litigation, which can be a costly and time-consuming process. Homeowners who engage with unlicensed contractors are not eligible for the Board’s Residential Recovery Fund, which can afford up to $40,000 in financial recourse when damages are validated.
The NSCB promotes the following best practices for any construction-related project:
- Always verify a contractor’s license is “Active.”
- Never pay in cash or agree to large down payments prior to work being performed.
- Obtain three bids from licensed contractors before starting work.
- Insist on a detailed, written contract that clearly outlines the work to be performed, payment schedules when appropriate, and any additional promises or expectations agreed to.
- On large projects, ask for a list of all subcontractors and verify they are also properly licensed.
The Nevada State Contractors Board directs members of the public to its website for helpful information and guidance on construction-related projects. The Board’s offices are open and accessible by phone or drop-in Monday through Friday, 7:00AM to 4:00PM, excluding holidays.
