(a) It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to represent itself as a licensed contractor or to act in the capacity of a “contractor” as defined in §§ 62-6-102, or 62-37-103 [repealed], and related rules and regulations of this state, or any similar statutes, rules and regulations of another state, while not licensed, unless such person, firm or corporation has been duly licensed under § 62-6-103 or [former] § 62-37-104 [repealed].

(b) In addition to the penalties set out in § 62-6-120, [former] §  62-37-114 [repealed] or [former] §  62-37-127 [repealed], a violation of this section shall be construed to constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting the conduct of trade or commerce under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1; and, as such, the private right of action remedy under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 shall be available to any person who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property, real, personal or mixed, or any other article, commodity or thing of value wherever situated as a result of the violation.

(c) An individual who violates this section and would, but for this section, have limited liability as owner of an entity having limited liability protection, including, but not limited to, a corporation, is personally liable for the individual's own representations, acts or omissions to the same extent as if that individual rendered the representations, acts or omissions as an individual.