Vermont Enterprise Journal At a press convention at the moment on the Vermont State Home, Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Vermont Lawyer Normal Charity Clark introduced a brand new shopper instrument to assist their places of work spotlight their very own shopper safety work relating to residential contractors and assist Vermonters defend themselves. An interactive map on the Secretary of State’s web site that helps shoppers decide if a house contractor is registered and in good standing with the state.
“We now have good residential contractors right here in Vermont, and the brand new residential contractor registration program is right here to guard shoppers and maintain dangerous actors accountable,” Copeland Hanzas mentioned. “The contractor applicant map makes it simpler for Vermonters to analysis and vet contractors earlier than work begins, which helps each events.”
The Vermont Normal Meeting handed a measure in its 2022 legislative session requiring registration of residential contractors working in Vermont. This requirement applies to any residential contractor performing building with an estimated price of $10,000 or extra, together with labor and supplies. Registered dwelling contractors are additionally required to keep up insurance coverage and execute a written contract. The registration program is run by the Vermont Workplace of State Skilled Regulation (OPR).
The Vermont Lawyer Normal’s Workplace helps each shoppers and small companies and has lengthy supported the Residential Contractor Registry. The brand new regulation created a “residential contractor specialist” place within the Lawyer Normal’s Client Help Program.
“I encourage all Vermonters to do their homework earlier than hiring a residential contractor,” mentioned Lawyer Normal Charity Clarke. Should you want assist in any approach, my workplace’s Client Help Program (CAP) is right here to information you, CAP might be reached at 800-649-2424, or go to in the past.vermont.gov/cap For extra info.
Rep. Scott Campbell, D-St. Johnsbury, joined the secretary and legal professional normal in praising the brand new map and the brand new registration program. Campbell, the lead sponsor of the laws that created the file and a contractor himself, sees the map as an awesome profit to contractors along with serving to shoppers.
“This program, together with instruments like this map, places the contractor’s identify in entrance of the client, exhibiting individuals they seem to be a skilled,” Campbell mentioned. “And for the primary time, we’ll have a statewide checklist of contractors. This may create new methods to attach with contractors and assist with coaching and greatest practices. The business is changing into extra complicated, and buyer expectations are excessive.
Man Payne, government director of Sustainable Power Provide (SEON), additionally spoke to reporters and expanded on Campbell’s feedback about coaching and the event {of professional} requirements. SEON works within the area of renewable vitality/vitality effectivity and supplies coaching via a community of companies and academic establishments.
“The enrollment program will create new alternatives for SEON and others to offer academic sources and coaching for dwelling contractors,” Payne mentioned. “Builder certification, which demonstrates that they’ve the information and expertise to construct to high quality requirements, together with the Vermont Power Code, will grow to be an vital a part of the registration program because it grows. Owners need contractors who’re engaged in persevering with schooling and are licensed.
Secretary Copeland Hanzas inspired Vermonters to take a look at the brand new. Map And renewed her name for contractors to register. For extra info and to register contractors, go to OPR’s Residential Contractor web site https://sos.vermont.gov/residential-contractors/.
The Dwelling Enchancment Fraud Registry is obtainable on the Lawyer Normal’s Workplace. web siteWith further suggestions for owners and residential contractors. The Lawyer Normal’s Client Help Program is a free useful resource obtainable to Vermont shoppers and small companies. Shoppers and small companies are inspired to contact the Buyer Help Program for help by calling 800-649-2424 or visiting in the past.vermont.gov/cap.
Supply: 5.4.2023 Montpelier, VT- Vermont Secretary of State’s Workplace
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