In a two-month inspection sweep targeting Queens and Staten Island, the Department of Consumer Affairs found one in five contractors operating without a license, the DCA announced Wednesday.
Seventy-two vehicles were seized by the agency and those caught working illegally face fines between $175,000 and $250,000.
"Unlicensed contractors often undercut legitimate businesses with lower prices but can't be held accountable for their shoddy work and any damages they cause," said DCA Commissioner Jonathan Mintz.
In the sweep, Consumer Affairs inspected 380 companies.
Contractors are one of the most common sources of complaints to the DCA, with nearly 600 consumers complaining to the agency last year about contractors who failed to follow through on the terms of their contracts.
The DCA recommends that homeowners contemplating renovations use the DCA's model contract, obtain a written estimate and check with at least three references before hiring a licensed contractor.
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