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Unlicensed Contractor Turns Dream Home Into Nightmare
BY KATE RYAN
WTOP RADIO NETWORK
SILVER SPRING, Md. - Homeowners beware! One local woman learned the hard way why you should always check to see if your contractor is licensed.
Marlene Arcos spent $130,000 for a home renovation that turned her dream home into a non-living nightmare. Imagine a yard that's a pit, three exterior walls stripped to insulation, an air conditioning unit dangling from electrical wires and an uneven roof with no gutters.
The unlicensed contractor, Milton O. Hernandez of Silver Spring, told Arcos he'd show her his license after the job was completed. He left halfway through.
Hernandez has been given five years probation, and has agreed to pay $75,000 in restitution.
County leaders have pledged to crackdown on unlicensed home improvement contractors and to pursue criminal charges.
"If you try to rip-off our residents, we are going to track you down and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law," said Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan.
The new crackdown has resulted in 10 convictions, 11 cases are pending.
Consumer experts want you to check with state and local officials and make sure your contractor is licensed. Here's how:
- For Montgomery County residents, call Division of Consumer Affairs Office at (240) 777-3636.
- For statewide information, contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at (888) 218-5925.
- In the District, get in touch with the D.C. Office of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
- No information on Virginia, but start with county offices.
(Copyright 2005 by WTOP Radio. All Rights Reserved.)
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