(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today announced two different consumer protection lawsuits against home improvement contractors accused of performing shoddy work and failing to deliver promised services.
“A person’s home is their castle and their biggest investment,” Yost said. “That makes a scam about home repairs hurt more than a lot of other scams.”
The lawsuits accuse Bobby Dappert, Robert Gorley and their separate businesses of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Home Solicitation Sales Act. Dappert owns Dad’s Home Repair & Excavation in Zanesfield; Gorley owns C&J Construction in Zanesville.
Consumers claimed financial losses of $42,949 in five complaints against Dappert and his business. Four complaints against Gorley and his company reported losses of $22,005. Most of the complaints against the two businesses allege shoddy work, incomplete projects and damage to property.
The two men ignored repeated attempts by consumers to obtain refunds. The lawsuits seek restitution for consumers and orders preventing the defendants from engaging in further customer transactions until repayments are made.
Attorney General Yost reminds consumers to take the following steps before signing a contract for home improvement services:
- Review any complaints filed with the Ohio Attorney General's Office or Better Business Bureau.
- Make sure you receive notice of your right to cancel a door-to-door sale. Contractors generally cannot start working until the three-day “cooling-off” period ends.
- Get written estimates from several contractors before making a final decision.
- Check to make sure that the written contract includes any verbal promises, the start and end dates, and an itemized list of all significant costs, labor and services.
- Be wary if the contract requires a large down payment or requires that you write a check directly to the contractor instead of his or her company.
- Check with the Ohio Secretary of State to confirm that the business is registered properly.
Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
Copies of the complaints are available below:
Accessible versions of the linked files are available by request.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dominic Binkley: 614-728-4127
–30–