#MiddleburyCT #ConsumerProtection #Contractor
HARTFORD – The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is requesting complaints or information from consumers who may have done business or otherwise interacted with a Watertown, Connecticut, home improvement contractor named Lorenzo Desantis and his business, Invigorate LLC. Since late 2022, DCP has received 14 complaints about Desantis, who was formerly registered as a home improvement contractor. His registration expired in November 2021.
Consumers allege Desantis, who also uses the business name Invigorate LLC, has been taking deposits for roofing contracts, but never performs any work. Complainants have reported Desantis taking deposits in Watertown, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and the surrounding Hartford area.
DCP is seeking additional information about Desantis’ activities to supplement its ongoing investigation.
“The public plays a vital role in helping to keep bad actors from doing business in our state. If you have information that could help in this investigation, please contact our agency immediately,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “It’s also important for consumers to protect themselves and their neighbors by taking preventative steps to avoid becoming the victim of a scam when hiring a contractor for home improvement work. Do your research, check references, and, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Consumers may file complaints or provide information about Desantis by emailing dcp.investigations@ct.gov or calling 860-713-6180. Consumers may also file a complaint online or chat directly with a member of the DCP Complaint Center by visiting ct.gov/DCP and clicking “File a Complaint.”
Before hiring a business for any type of work on your home, consumers should:
- Get multiple quotes, and remember, the cheapest is not always best.
- Don’t do business with anyone who asks that you pay the entire cost up front.
- Check multiple references from those who have had similar work done on their homes.
- Verify any contractor you hire has the proper credentials for the work they’re completing by visiting elicense.ct.gov
- Ask for a current copy of the contractor’s worker’s compensation and liability insurance policies and verify that they are active. Home improvement contractors must obtain general liability insurance of no less than $20,000.
- Ensure that you have a written, signed contract and ask any questions you have before signing the contract yourself.
- Consumers should review information about how to hire a home improvement contractor, including what to look for, understanding what should be in a contract, and if any permits may be necessary for the work to be completed.
