New year brings state registration requirements for home contractors

Hawley — The Wayne County Builders Association (WCBA) is offering its members and county residents the opportunity to learn more about a new law going into effect on July 1, which will require home improvement contractors to register with the state Attorney General’s office to do business in Pennsylvania. An informational session is planned for Jan. 14. Contractors doing more than $5,000 home improvement work annually will receive a registration number that must be displayed on their contracts, promotional materials and business cards. Consumers then will be able to use this number to learn if complaints have been filed against a business and to report any concerns they have with a home improvement project. In unison with the Pennsylvania Builders Association, the WCBA will be working with its members to walk them step-by-step through the state registration process. For instance, the new registration law will require that home improvement contracts include certain critical details. Failure to meet the requirements of the law could lead to investigation and even prosecution by the state Attorney General’s office. “The new law contains provisions about home improvement contracts, insurance coverage levels, advertising and other components,” stated Laurie Lourie, executive officer for the WCBA. “Contractors who want to make sure they aren’t violating the new law come July 1 should contact us for assistance. We’ll serve as a comprehensive resource on the registration process for builders throughout the county.” Consumers wanting to know more about the new also are invited to contact the WCBA for assistance, or to attend the upcoming informational session. The WCBA’s presentation on the many changes brought by the new home improvement registration law is planned for Wednesday, January 14th at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant in Tafton. Registration is required. For more information about this and other WCBA programs call 570-226-4941 or visit them on the web at www.waynecountybuilders.com .