The New York City Department of Buildings was taking a closer look at smaller construction sites throughout the city, and contractors that traditionally didn’t undergo such tough scrutiny were finding it doesn’t pay to cut corners.

For ten hours over two days, investigators from the DOB followed and videotaped a man whom they believe was illegally installing plumbing without a license. An investigator on the case who did not want to be identified said the new level of enforcement was quite unexpected.

“I don’t think they are aware that anybody is watching so when we walk in they are quite frankly surprised,” the investigator said. He confronts the man, who admits he does not have a license, the job is shut down, and the worker’s truck is towed, tools and all.

Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri said that was extremely significant. “In this case it’s his livelihood. It’s what he does every day. It’s how he makes his money,” he said. “And these are not times you’re going to want to have that kind of delay.”

Video of other investigations showed unlicensed contractors working unsafely. One man was 25-feet above ground without a harness, and not only was one welder not protected, he was also reckless with the torch.

The increased scrutiny of one, two, and three-family home construction comes after the Department stepped up enforcement overall, after a series of high-profile accidents on larger construction sites. LiMandri said the smaller jobs were no less important.

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