When considering a major home repair or improvement project, avoid pitfalls with contractors soliciting your business door-to-door.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced the filing of a lawsuit yesterday against a Columbus roofer. Operating under several names, the roofer went door-to-door through neighborhoods, telling homeowners they needed roof repair, the Attorney General said.
In Ohio, such contractors must offer homeowners a three-day cancellation period. Diamond Set Roofing & Resolution, operated by Diamond Murphy of Columbus, did not. That’s a violation of Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act, DeWine said. He filed the suit Dec. 12, in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
Diamond’s acceptance of up-front money and not performing the work within eight weeks – and not issuing refunds – violates the Ohio Revised Code’s Failure to Deliver Rule; and Diamond’s delivering shoddy and substandard repair services, in at least one case, and not correcting the work violates the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act, the lawsuit says.
The suit claims at least three clients incurred total losses of $16,000 through the alleged illegal actions of the contractor. The suit seeks up to $25,000 in damages for each of the violations. DeWine wants to bar the company from doing business in Ohio, until the fines are paid.
The business, with offices at 100 E. Campus View Blvd. in north Columbus, also operated under the names Williams Roofing and Restoration, LLC, and S.S.M. Architectural Group, LLC, the lawsuit states.
DeWine’s office offered the following tips for Ohio consumers to avoid pitfalls with home improvement contractors:
- Research a company before making any payments. Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or Better Business Bureau. Also, conduct an Internet search with the name of the business. Include words like “reviews” or “complaints” in your search. Be skeptical if you find no information. Some operators change business names regularly to make it harder for consumers to detect their record of shoddy work.
- Get multiple estimates, especially for big projects. Keep in mind that the company that gives you the lowest estimate may not necessarily deliver the best results.
- Check your cancellation rights. If a seller does not have a fixed place of business or comes to your door to offer services, you may be entitled to a three-day right to cancel the contract under Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act. Make sure you receive detailed written information about your cancellation rights.
- Make sure verbal promises are put in writing. Get a detailed written contract including any verbal claims the contractor makes and other important details. Make sure it includes the estimated cost; expected start and end dates; and specifics on who will perform the services.
- Be wary of requests for large down payments. It’s reasonable for a contractor to require a down payment. But be skeptical if you’re asked to make a large down payment (half or more of the total cost) before any work begins. Pay in increments, if possible.
Consumers who suspect fraud or unfair sales practices should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.