The Nevada State Contractors Board has issued a warning to Nye County residents regarding unlicensed contractors ripping off homeowners.
In a news release, the board, in particular, singled out Donald Dean Guthrie, 61, of “Don’s Handyman Service,” who is said to be actively engaging in business, while often accepting large down payments for doing the work, while performing little or no work at all.
“Over the past three months, the contractors’ board has opened three cases against Donald Dean Guthrie, 61, for obtaining money under false pretenses and/or contracting without a license in Pahrump,” the release stated. “Guthrie was fined for a similar offense in Las Vegas in 2016.”
Dissatisfied homeowners
According to the pending complaints, Guthrie collected down payments of $4,000 to $6,600, equating to 50- to-72 percent of the project cost for installation of artificial rock in one instance, and a reroofing job in another.
“In the first case, the complainant alleges Guthrie never started the job,” according to the release. “In the second, the homeowner alleges Guthrie completed one-third of the work before abandoning the project. It is against the law for unlicensed persons to perform any construction project valued at $1,000 or more. The contractors board encourages Nevadans to hire only licensed contractors.”
Attempts by the Pahrump Valley Times to locate Guthrie for comment were unsuccessful.
As a result, the contractor’s board is asking Nye County residents to be on the lookout for Guthrie and any other unlicensed individuals seeking to perform home construction, maintenance or repair work without a contractor’s license.
To report unlicensed construction activity, call the Nevada State Contractors Board Unlicensed Contractor Hotline at 702-486-1160 or 775-850-7838.
“If available, include the unlicensed contractor’s name, business address, project location, phone number, and vehicle make, model, color and license plate number,” the release noted. “When contracting for home repair and maintenance projects, always verify the contractor’s license number on the Nevada State Contractors Board website at www.nscb.nv.gov.”
Nevadans seeking to have work done on their homes can verify a contractor’s license number on the board’s website or by contacting the board directly at 702-486-1100, before signing a contract.
Homeowners who hire licensed contractors receive the board’s full protections should something go wrong during the course of a project, and may be eligible for the board’s Residential Recovery Fund, which can award up to $35,000 in financial recourse to affected homeowners.
Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com, on Twitter: @pvtimes