(MEDINA, Ohio) - Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit today against Unmistakably Premier Homes, and its owner/operator Stephen M. Kovack, for unresolved warranty issues and failure to deliver. The suit seeks restitution for consumers, injunctive relief, and penalties from the Wadsworth-based company.
"For many of us, one of our biggest dreams is to own a home," said Attorney General DeWine. "It's a shame when others take advantage of that goal and turn buying a home into a nightmare."
The Attorney General's Office has received more than 20 complaints from customers of Unmistakably Premier Homes who cited:
- Warranty issues or "punch list" items that have never been addressed, often regarding concrete work. These complaints were concentrated on homes the company built in 2004-2005 and 2010-2012.
- Homes on which construction began but was never finished. At least one of these consumers paid for a portion of the home in cash. As a result, consumers are unable to get an occupancy permit for their homes since they are incomplete.
- No work being performed. This has been the complaint in at least three cases with deposits totaling $27,000.
The lawsuit charges violations of the state's Consumer Sales Practices Act, including failure to deliver, failing to perform in a workmanlike manner and failing to correct such work, and stalling and evading obligations, including failing to promptly deliver services for which consumers contracted.
When hiring a contractor to build or remodel a home, make sure that:
- The contractor has given you references, which you've checked.
- The contractor has shown you proof of licenses, insurance, and bonding.
- You have checked with the local Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org and the Ohio Attorney General's Office to see if complaints are on file against the company.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly in a home or any other transaction should contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office at 800-282-0515 or visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
Complaint:
Unmistakably Premier (PDF)
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Mark Moretti: 614-466-3840