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Board sends warning about unlicensed contractor

Posted at 1:28 PM, Feb 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-09 16:28:28-05

The Nevada State Contractors Board is warning that convicted felon and unlicensed contractor is back in the community, specifically North Las Vegas.
 
In the two weeks since his release, the board has received three additional complaints from homeowners that Michael Delbridge has taken their money with little to no work performed.  Each of these cases are pending approval from the District Attorney’s Office to prosecute on related unlicensed contractor charges.
 
Delbridge has claimed to be a licensed contractor, underbidding the job, promising to absorb the cost of all fees and permits associated with the project, and asking for a 50 percent cash deposit so he can take advantage of his “vendor sales” allowing the homeowner to get a better deal on materials, according to the board.  Delbridge then performs a small percentage of the work using hired help in most cases and then abandons the project.
 
After abandoning, the board said Delbridge has offered his victims a refund of all or part of the homeowner’s money, yet has failed to do so, generally citing a number of excuses including that he is dealing with health issues; he and/or his daughter’s vehicles have a number of mechanical problems he is trying to resolve; his foreman is ill; or he can’t refund the money because the bank is holding his funds.
 
Delbridge has operated under the names, “Southwest Construction,” “Roadrunner Construction,” and “Michael Delbridge Construction.”  

On April 22, 2015, Delbridge pleaded guilty to felony charges of engaging in business without a license.  He has been the subject of the board’s criminal investigations since 1994, amassing more than 17 unlicensed contracting cases with the board.  

Delbridge’s offenses have included allegations of posing as a licensed contractor, obtaining funds under false pretenses, diversion of funds, and victimizing vulnerable persons. Delbridge is currently awaiting judgment on three court cases with Las Vegas Justice Court scheduled for Feb. 16, Feb. 25, and Mar. 2.
 
The board asks anyone looking to have work performed on their home to always verify a contractor’s license number on the board’s website or contact the Board directly at (702) 486-1100 before signing a contract.

Anyone with information on suspected unlicensed contracting activities should contact the NSCB Unlicensed Contractor Hotline: (702) 486-1160 or (775) 850-7838. If available, include the unlicensed contractor’s name, business address, project location, phone number, and vehicle make, model, color and license plate number.