For Immediate Release
June 30, 2009
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Senator Tomlinson Reminds Home Improvement Contractors to Register

Home improvement contractors have until July 1, 2009, to register with the state Attorney General's office as part of a new state law sponsored by Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks).  This law is aimed at providing information for consumers in selecting home improvement contractors.

In 2008, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.  The law requires that all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year register with the Attorney General's Office.

The registration process has been made as quick and easy as possible. Registration may be completed online or by mailing an application to the Attorney General's office.  Registering online with the Attorney General's website is the suggested method to register. After a contractor completes the registration online, they will receive their registration number and a printable temporary registration certificate instantaneously.

Any home improvement contractor who is not registered by July 1, 2009, is prohibited from offering or performing home improvements.  Failure to register is a violation of the law and unregistered contractors may receive civil penalties of $1,000 or more.

"I encourage all consumers to check online to make sure their home improvement contractor is registered with the Attorney General.  The online verification feature provides consumers with important information so they can be educated consumers," Tomlinson said.

Pennsylvania consumers will be able to verify whether a contractor is registered with the Attorney General's office by visiting the website www.attorneygeneral.gov, or by calling a toll-free hotline 1-888-520-6680.

Contact:

Fran Cleaver
(717) 787-5072