(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a home improvement contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services to consumers in Ohio.
The lawsuit accuses Columbus-based 5 Star Remodeling LLC and owner Robert Turnquest of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act.
“In this case, we found that consumers paid thousands of dollars for work they never received,” Attorney General DeWine said. “We’re seeking recovery for affected consumers and protection for other consumers so they don’t experience the same problems.”
According to the lawsuit, 5 Star Remodeling LLC offers home remodeling and repair goods and services in Ohio.
Since September, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has received three complaints against 5 Star Remodeling from consumers in Franklin County and Harrison County, with estimated damages totaling approximately $10,200. In their complaints, consumers said they paid the company for home improvement work they never received and that the company did not provide refunds.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, accuses the defendants of accepting money from consumers and permitting eight weeks to elapse without delivering the goods and services or returning payments to consumers. The Attorney General seeks reimbursement for consumers, an injunction to stop any violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act, and civil penalties.
To avoid home improvement problems, consumers should take steps to protect themselves, such as:
- Research contractors carefully. Ask neighbors, friends, or family members for recommendations. Review complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. Check with the Ohio Secretary of State to confirm that the business is properly registered.
- Get written estimates from several contractors before making a final decision. Be skeptical of an estimate that is much lower than others. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Read any documents a contractor gives you before signing them. Don’t rely on verbal claims.
- Be wary if you have to pay a large down payment, such as half of the total cost.
- Make sure the written contract includes the start and end dates and an itemized list of all material costs, labor, and services.
Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
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Documents
Lawsuit (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840