Home & Garden
CT Contractor Did Unlicensed Work, Damaged Customers' Homes: State
A contractor will pay a hefty fine and have his license revoked for doing unlicensed work on customers' homes, according to the state.
JEWETT CITY, CT — A contractor performed unlicensed HVAC work that resulted in significant damage to customers' homes, according to a statement from the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). Justin Lanno, a registered home improvement contractor, owned the company CT Heat Pros.
A hearing officer issued an order recently that revoked Lanno's home improvement contractor registration. He was also assessed $74,625 in civil penalties. An additional $152,265 in restitution was awarded to impacted customers, DCP said in a statement. Lanno chose not to defend the case.
Dozens of customers filed complaints with the state regarding the company. They alleged that CT Heat Pros completed improper or incomplete installations of heating and cooling units, shoddy workmanship, associated pipe leaks, and incorrectly sized duct work. In some instances, Lanno did not obtain permits. He is also accused of not answering requests for refunds, missing appointments, and not returning phone calls.
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Lanno was never licensed to perform any occupational work, such as heating, piping, cooling, duct, or sheet metal work, according to DCP.
“Many families suffered substantial financial harm and distress as a result of the irresponsible actions of Mr. Lanno and CT Heat Pros in these cases," DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli said in a statement. "While this judgement can’t undo that damage, hopefully it will help these consumers recover.”
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Cafferelli added that the department is aware of other consumers that were "adversely affected" by Lanno and CT Heat Pros that were not named in the complaint. The department will continue to pursue those investigations, he said.
DCP said that consumers should be aware that anyone doing heating, piping, cooling, and duct work must be licensed by the state. Consumers can request to see the licenses and apprenticeship cards of anyone performing licensed trade work in their home.
For more information, check out this DCP guide on how to hire a home contractor.
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