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(MIDDLETOWN, Ohio)— Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a Middletown company and its owner for failing to deliver promised home improvements and not providing refunds to consumers.

The lawsuit accuses Eric L. Hines, who owns and operates Hines General Contracting, of taking money from consumers, but then failing to perform the work or to provide refunds. 

Consumers complained to the Attorney Generals' Office that they paid Hines thousands of dollars in deposits for work that was not completed.   

The Attorney General's Office lawsuit, filed Friday in Butler County Court of Common Pleas, accuses Hines of violating Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act. Counts include: failure to deliver, 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, an end to any violations of Ohio consumer protection laws, and civil penalties.

To help consumers avoid home improvement problems, Attorney General DeWine offered the following recommendations:

• Research a company before making any payments. Ask for recommendations. Talk to past customers about their experiences. Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or Better Business Bureau. Conduct an internet search with the name of the business and words like “reviews” or “complaints.” 
• Get multiple estimates. For a large job, consider contacting at least three different businesses before making a final selection. Keep in mind that the company that gives you the lowest estimate may not necessarily deliver the best results.
• Make sure verbal promises are put in writing. Get a detailed written contract including any verbal claims the contractor makes and other important details, such as the estimated cost of the work, the expected start and end dates, and the names of the individuals 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 (such as half or more of the total cost) before any work begins. If possible, pay in increments as the work is completed.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

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Lawsuit (PDF)

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