Mangano: Beware of unlicensed repairers

“You should only put your home or business in the hands of a qualified professional, not an unlicensed contractor looking to make a quick buck,” Mangano said. “Do research beforehand and make sure you hire a licensed, experienced contractor.”

He noted that in the first quarter of 2012, there were only 77 violations issued to unlicensed contractors, while in the same period this year, 123 such violations were issued.

Contractor licensing information can be gained from the Office of Consumer Affairs at 516-571-2600 or the Nassau County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov.