51 contractors cited in N.J. so far this year for violations

New Jersey Consumer Affairs officials said 51 contractors were cited during the first three months of this year, including more than two dozen who failed to register with the state.

The violation notices issued so far seek nearly $850,000 in consumer restitution and civil penalties.

The restitution amounts range from $250 to $134,093. They include claims of shoddy workmanship and allegations that the contractors didn’t refund deposits or complete work that consumers had paid for in advance.

Twenty-six of the contractors were cited for failing to register with the state.

State officials say home improvement matters are the largest complaint category that consumers have filed with the Consumer Affairs division.