Twelve unlicensed contractors offered bids of up to $100,000 for construction work in Nevada during a statewide undercover operation, prompting criminal cases and other enforcement actions by the Nevada State Contractors Board.
The operation ran from Oct. 12-23 as part of a national effort coordinated by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies to identify unlicensed contractors and address illegal construction activity.
In Nevada, the board conducted four undercover operations using residential and commercial properties as decoys. The unlicensed contractors offered bids ranging from $6,000 to $100,000 for work including garage conversions, painting, drywall, plumbing, electrical work, flooring, framing, heating and air conditioning, and signage.
Beyond the undercover operations, the board conducted 45 unannounced job site visits statewide and verified 406 contractor license details. Those efforts resulted in 42 criminal cases, 24 cease-and-desist orders, 15 administrative citations and 12 violation letters.
The board said the effort is intended to protect consumers from financial harm and ensure contractors follow state licensing laws.
“We are pleased to see the same initiatives taking place across the country as we unite to send a clear message that adherence to the construction laws of our respective states is taken seriously and serves to safeguard the public from becoming financially harmed when engaging in construction projects,” said Dan Whitmarsh, the board's executive officer.
For consumers planning home improvement projects, the board recommends checking a contractor's license through its website, mobile application, or by calling the office directly. It also advises getting at least three bids and carefully reviewing contract terms before signing.
Nevada law limits down payments for residential home improvement projects to no more than $1,000 or 10% of the total contract value.
Consumers should also be cautious of contractors who demand cash payments or large deposits before work begins, refuse to provide written contracts, show up at homes without being invited, or use aggressive or misleading sales tactics.
Consumers who hire licensed contractors have four years from the start of a project to file a complaint with the board. If an investigation validates a complaint, the board may issue a notice to correct the problem. Failure to comply can lead to disciplinary action, and consumers may be eligible to seek up to $40,000 in damages through the Residential Recovery Fund.
Consumers with concerns about construction work involving licensed or unlicensed contractors can file a complaint with the Nevada State Contractors Board. Suspected unlicensed contracting activity can also be reported by phone or through the board's mobile application. More information and a home improvement contract checklist are available at nscb.nv.gov.
