Two Unlicensed Contractors Cited In Joint Sting

The Nevada State Contractors Board cited two unlicensed contractors for contracting without a license in a joint sting operation involving the City of Reno Building Department and the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.   

Joseph Messineo, “Best Work In Town,” was advertising on a local bulletin board for a number of trades, including painting and staining, without a license. When an undercover NSCB investigator telephoned Messineo, he told the investigator he was currently on a remodel project with two other people. Messineo agreed to have another painter contact the investigator. Shortly after the conversation with Messineo, Ricardo Bravo 

called the investigator back and eventually met the investigator at the sting house.  He told the investigator he would provide the painting bid via e-mail. Bravo provided the undercover investigator with the address to the house that was being remodeled.

Employees from the City of Reno Building Department and an employee from the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation met the NSCB investigator at the jobsite. The NSCB investigator described the house as being completely gutted to the subfloor with studs and wires hanging everywhere.  There was no plumbing whatsoever. It became evident that the unlicensed contractor was attempting to install new counters and walls. The compliance officer issued a stop work order to the unlicensed contractor.  An Investigator for the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation also issued Messineo and the homeowner a stop work order for no workers compensation, as there were seven laborers working on the project.  

Messineo was also issued a criminal citation for contracting without a license. When Bravo returned to the sting house to go over the painting bid he previously gave the undercover NSCB investigator via e-mail, he brought a licensed C-4A painting contractor who told the investigator that it was “Ok” for Bravo to use his license.  Bravo was immediately cited for contracting without a license.  The licensed contractor who permitted Bravo to use his license will be scheduled for a Disciplinary Hearing before the Board.     

Generally, unlicensed contractors do not have business licenses, liability insurance, workers’ compensation or the financial responsibility to ensure quality work. Unlicensed Contractors are also in violation of state taxation laws, which create an underground economy in Nevada. Contracting or advertising without a Nevada State Contractor’s license is a misdemeanor for the first offense, a gross misdemeanor of the second offense and a Class E Felony for the third offense.

The NSCB urges consumers to follow these simple tips when dealing with a contractor:

• Hire only licensed contractors. Ask to see their NSCB license.
• Don’t rush into decisions or hire someone without checking out potential contractors.
• Be especially wary when approached by someone offering door-to-door home improvements.
• Verify the contractor’s license by checking online at: www.nscb.state.nv.us or calling: (702) 486-1100 in Southern Nevada, or (775) 688-1141 in Northern Nevada.
• Ensure the contractor is properly licensed for the work you want done on your home.
• Limit your down payment or deposit to 10 percent of the total contract.
• Don’t pay cash without obtaining signed receipts, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work