Pocono News Section

State May Fight Home Repair Fraud

State May Fight Home Repair Fraud - Monday, October 6, 2008 at 5:40PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Monday, Oct 6, 2008 @ 05:40pm EST
PLYMOUTH, LUZERNE COUNTY-- Lawmakers in Harrisburg could soon pass a bill that would protect people from crooked and shoddy contractors.

I get countless complaints about bad home improvement contractors. But in Pennsylvania, if a contractor rips you off, you usually can only pursue him or her in civil court. Even if you win, you may never collect what you're owed. This week, the state house may vote on a bill that would make home improvement fraud a crime.

Two years ago Joanne Burns of Plymouth paid a contractor ten thousand dollars to install this pool. He dug a hole but never came back. Joanne Burns says “I spoke with our chief of police and when he told me it was civil and not criminal I couldn't believe it. I was completely baffled that someone could take money, leave and it’s not criminal. How is that not criminal?

But Senate Bill 100 would make it a crime called home improvement fraud. It'll make for easier prosecution. Frank Serino of Serino's Construction thinks the law is needed. He's had to fix the shoddy work done by fly- by-night repairmen. Frank Serino says "I think its a good law because then you weed out all the bad and keep the good like us."

The law also requires contractors like frank to register with the state and pay a fifty dollar yearly fee. The state would also create a database of contractors fit to work on your home. Homeowners can then access that database to check the reputation of a contractor before they hire him.

Although the president of the local builder’s group supports the bill, he says it won't solve the whole problem. Vinny Stiaccini of Building Industry Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania says “there's always going to be someone trying to take advantage of the consumer." He says homeowners need to do their homework. "Get a couple estimates, get references. Call the local builders association and ask if they have a list of contractors to choose from."

Joanne hired someone else to install her pool. She just wishes the law was passed sooner so her crooked contractor could sit in jail. "This is something that would protect a lot of people."

The bill was passed by the State Senate last year. The House may vote on it later this week. Consumer advocates want you to contact your state representative to encourage them to support Senate Bill 100.