MIAMI-DADE – It’s been 11 months since Katrina swamped and nine months since Wilma walloped South Florida during 2005’s record breaking Hurricane Season and Building Code Compliance (BCCO) Investigators are still feeling the aftermath of the destructive storms.
During the period of April through June 2006, BCCO Code Compliance Investigators have seen a 256 percent increase in homeowner complaints when compared to the same time period in 2005.
“We started our proactive activities immediately after the hurricanes to curtail unlicensed contractors by stepping up our Commercial Vehicle Checkpoints and joining forces with state agencies and Miami-Dade Police,” said BCCO Investigations Supervisor Danny Vuelta.” “But we knew it would take a little time before we saw the full impact of contractor complaints.”
During April through June 2005, BCCO logged 171 resident generated contractor complaints. During the same quarter this year, the number skyrocketed to 439. These figures include complaints against unlicensed, as well as licensed contractors. While homeowners may be anxious to hire anyone who says they can do the repair-work, Vuelta warns that a “quick-fix” could be more detrimental in the long run.
“If you hire an unlicensed contractor, you don’t have a guarantee that they have the minimum knowledge base to complete the job,” he said. “In most cases permits are not obtained and that could lead to violations and fines down the road.” Vuelta also said hiring a licensed contractor helps his staff conduct contractor complaint investigations when the homeowner is not satisfied with the work.
“If a homeowner hires an unlicensed contractor they could disappear with your money or they don’t finish a job, there’s no guarantee that we will be able to find them,” he said. “If you hire a licensed contractor there is a process that a homeowner can follow in order to have their grievances addressed by an administrative board.
Homeowners can file a complaint against contractors (regardless of license status) through BCCO’s website or by calling Miami-Dade’s 3-1-1 Answer Center. The case is then assigned to an investigator. If the complaint involves a licensed contractor, it can be brought before the Construction Trades Qualifying Board or the Board of Rules and Appeals, comprised of construction industry professionals in various trades. Depending on the details of the case, the Board may order the contractor to finish the job, pay restitution, suspend or revoke permit privileges and in the most extreme circumstances, revoke the contractor’s license.
If the complaint involves an unlicensed individual, BCCO Investigators work closely with Miami-Dade Police Officers in the Environmental Investigations Section and the State Attorney’s Office where it is decided if an arrest is warranted and what charges could be levied.
For more information on filing a complaint against a contractor, visit the Building Code Compliance Office website at www.miamidade.gov/buildingcode or call 3-1-1.
