NEWARK — Although the deadline has been extended for New Jersey home improvement contractors to become registered, Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos is urging contractors to continue to register with Consumer Affairs and not delay submitting their applications because of the extension.

A bill was recently signed into law delaying the implementation of the "Contractors’ Registration Act" until Dec. 31, 2005. The act, which establishes strict registration requirements for those who sell and make home improvements, was originally scheduled to go into effect Nov. 9.

"Although this change allows additional time for contractors to complete and submit their applications, we urge contractors to act now to become registered, and not to wait until late next year," Director Erdos said.

"We will continue to process applications and will be issuing registration certificates in the near future. Those certificates will be valid until Dec. 31, 2006," Director Erdos added.

To date, more than 11,000 contractors have submitted their applications for registration to Consumer Affairs.

Applications and additional information may be obtained by logging onto http://www.njconsumeraffairs.com/contractor.htm, calling toll-free 888-656-6225, or visiting Consumer Affairs’ offices at 124 Halsey St., Newark, or 2 Riverside Drive, Suite 403, Camden.