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LARA Issues Cease and Desist Orders Against Unlicensed Residential Builder and His Company in Sterling Heights, MI
Media Contact: LARA Communications 517-335-LARA (5272)
Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov
July 24, 2019 - LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) issued cease and desist orders against Eugene Zaniewski and Brickheads Masonry Specialists LLC in Sterling Heights for violating the Michigan Occupational Code by providing residential builder services without possessing a residential builder, or maintenance & alteration contractor’s license, and not possessing a residential builder company license. Zaniewski is the owner of Brickheads Masonry Specialists LLC, an unlicensed limited liability company.
An investigation prompted by a complaint against Zaniewski and Brickheads Masonry Specialists LLC, disclosed violations of the Occupational Code:
- not possessing applicable licenses
- entering into an agreement with a consumer for performing residential building services regulated by the Occupational Code
The investigation also disclosed that Zaniewski represented himself to the homeowners that he was licensed and found deficient repair (twice) of two leaking chimneys on a residential structure.
The cease and desist orders prohibit Zaniewski from practicing as a residential builder and prohibit Brickheads Masonry Specialists LLC from operating as a residential builder company without possessing applicable licenses issued by LARA. The cease and desist orders also notified Zaniewski and Brickheads Masonry Specialists LLC of their right to request a hearing within 30 days in response to the orders. Violations of the Occupational Code may lead to administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions, including a maximum fine of $25,000 per violation. A person not licensed under the Occupational Code as a residential builder who willfully violates the Code may be subject to criminal penalties.
"Before starting a home building project, ensure that you hire a reputable residential builder who is properly licensed with the State of Michigan,” said Bureau of Construction Codes Director Keith Lambert. “Verify their current license status and check for any consumer complaints or disciplinary action by looking it up on the LARA website or calling 517-241-9316. Homeowners should also check with their building department to determine what construction permits are required, and that the residential builder has obtained them.”
Residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors, electricians, plumbers and mechanical contractors are licensed by LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes and must have a license that corresponds to the work to be done. Before entering into a building or renovation project, Michigan consumers are encouraged to verify license information by going to https://www.lara.michigan.gov/colaLicVerify/. Consumers may contact BCC at 517-241-9316 or via email at ara-bcc-licensing@michigan.gov and request that the bureau run a license check for you. Consumers are reminded that there is no replacement for their own due diligence.