(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a consumer protection lawsuit against a Columbus-based general contractor accused of failing to deliver promised home improvement services.
The lawsuit accuses Weylin Stewart of Leadway General Contracting and Construction Managment, Inc. of taking an estimated $30,000 from consumers but failing to complete work, provide requested refunds, and, in some cases, performing shoddy work.
Consumers who complained to the Attorney General's Office said they signed contracts and paid deposits; however, work was left incomplete.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed Wednesday in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, accuses Stewart of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act. Counts include: failure to deliver, performing shoddy work, failure to give consumers notice of their right to cancel their contract, and failure to give consumers a cancellation form.
In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks restitution for consumers and an end to any violations of Ohio consumer protection laws.
Attorney General DeWine encourages consumers to research home improvement contractors carefully before making any payments. Consumers should check both the company name and the name of the owner or individuals involved with the operation, as some operators change business names regularly to make it harder for consumers to find their record of shoddy work.
To research a contractor, search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and Better Business Bureau, check business filings with the Ohio Secretary of State, conduct internet searches, check court websites for legal action, and talk to past customers to learn about their experiences with the contractor.
Consumers who suspect an unfair business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.