N.J. considers tougher standards for house-elevation contractors

After two homes in the process of being elevated collapsed, a New Jersey lawmaker has proposed legislation setting standards to ensure the work in the wake of Superstorm Sandy is done safely.

A bill introduced by Assemblyman John Amodeo would require home elevation contractors to have experience doing that kind of work and the equipment to do it properly.

“As we come into this era over the next five to 10 years where we’re going to see a lot of house lifting in the state of New Jersey, we need to have a least a sense of confidence in the people that are doing the job,” said Amodeo, R-Atlantic.

Home-elevation contractors would also have to carry sufficient liability insurance in case something goes wrong.

It would be up to local code enforcement officers to make sure contractors know about the regulations and comply with them.