Sting Targets Unlicensed Contractors
When your house needs repairs, do you know who is coming into your home? Monday on the Nightbeat at 10, it's plumbing, lies and electrical tape...State investigators recently launched a sting operation in San Antonio to target unlicensed electrical and air conditioning contractors. Their goal was to keep homeowners safe. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation set up shop at a vacant house and called contractors and handymen for bids on electrical and air conditioning work. None of the contractors the agency targeted possessed state or city licenses, which makes it illegal for them to offer such services.

Sting Targets Unlicensed Contractors
State Investigators Set Up Sting At Vacant Home

Their goal was to keep homeowners safe.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation set up shop at a vacant house and called contractors and handymen for bids on electrical and air conditioning work.

None of the contractors the agency targeted possessed state or city licenses, which makes it illegal for them to offer such services.

One contractor who responded to a call was Robert Almaguer, who was previously targeted by the state.

"You're not licensed, why are you bidding this job?" KSAT 12 News reporter Brian Mylar asked Almaguer.

"Yes, I am," Almaguer responded.

But state investigators confirmed that Almaguer, who offered to do the job for $1,100, is not licensed with the state or the city.

Terry Wickham advertises as The Handyman Can. His sign reads that he is licensed and insured, but state investigators said he is not licensed.

"You should be a master electrician to bid on jobs like this," Mylar told Wickham. "You're not a licensed contractor in the city or the state."

TDLR Executive Director William Kuntz wants to warn people about the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors.

Kuntz said most of those contractors do not get city permits, which come with an inspection.

"You have no independent inspections, so you really are in jeopardy if you deal with somebody like that," Kuntz said.

Another problem with hiring contractors without permits is that they may not be fully qualified to do the work, Kuntz said.

One of those who showed up at the house recommended a large air conditioning unit.

"Because of the square footage of the house, we're looking at probably 3 or 3 1/2 tons, which is for a small house," he said.

TDLR investigators said the unit is too big for a house under 1,000 square feet.

The 17 unlicensed contractors caught in the TDLR sting will receive cease and desist orders from the state and then a notice of violation.

Repeat violators can earn jail time.
http://www.ksat.com/news/21634755/detail.html