Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a consumer protection lawsuit against the operators of Ashley Contractors LLC, a home improvement and construction company accused of failing to deliver promised services to northeast Ohio consumers.
The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for consumers and an injunction to prevent any further violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act.
Consumers complained that they paid Ashley Contractors thousands of dollars for home remodeling projects they never received. After making deposits for kitchen, bath, or basement renovations, consumers said Ashley Contractors either did no work or did only partial, shoddy work. Reported consumer losses total more than $82,000.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, accuses Ashley Nihiser and Brian Stepp, both doing business as Ashley Contractors LLC, of failing to deliver promised services and performing shoddy work. The company, which was registered in 2015, dissolved in 2017.
“Many contractors do great work, but there are some operators who take a customer’s money and do little or none of the work they were paid to do,” Attorney General DeWine said. “We’re taking this action to protect consumers.”
Attorney General DeWine offered consumers the following recommendations to help avoid home improvement scams:
- Research home-improvement contractors carefully before hiring them. Check for complaints filed by other consumers, review 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 a contractor.
- Get multiple estimates. For a large job, consider getting estimates from several different companies.
- 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.
-30-
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840