News - Special Packages - Hurricane Katrina

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009

Consumer info on builders improving

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors plans to launch a searchable computer database in early 2010 so consumers can check the track records of builders.

The lack of computerized public records about incompetent and dishonest builders hampers Mississippi consumers who want to make informed decisions for one of life’s biggest investments: a new or remodeled home.

A diligent consumer can wade through copies of paper records on the state attorney general’s Internet site to find builders charged with, or guilty of, home repair fraud. Consumers also can search the Mississippi Better Business Bureau’s Web site by builder company or name for complaints filed with the nonprofit organization.

The Board of Contractors maintains a list of builders who have violated state law, resulting in fines and, in some cases, license revocation. Violations include operating without a license and negligence. However, the list of violators has not been updated since 2008.

John Sullivan, the board’s executive director, said the new database will allow consumers to search for violators by name.

Consumers already can check the site to find out if a home builder or contractor is licensed. Both databases are searchable by name or company.

The contractors board urges consumers to check for a license before hiring someone to build or remodel. A license provides some assurance that a builder is competent and enables regulators to track down builders who fail to perform.