Storm-Affected Homeowners Should Use Massachusetts-Licensed Professionals, Avoid Out-of-State Entities Offering Repair Assistance

BOSTON, MA – June 3, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Residents of areas impacted by this week’s tornadoes and storms should be aware that out-of-state entities often pour into an affected region offering repair assistance, and homeowners should instead rely on Massachusetts-licensed contractors, electricians, plumbers, sheet metal workers and other tradesmen to do work.The Patrick-Murray Administration’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation registers home improvement contractors, and the Division of Professional Licensure licenses electricians, plumbers, and sheet metal workers. Both agencies offer online systems to check a licensee’s status.