(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a central Ohio home improvement contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services and performing shoddy work after soliciting consumers at their homes.
The lawsuit accuses Adolfo Castaneda, doing business as AC’s Home Restoration and A&J Home Restoration, of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.
“We encourage consumers to be very careful when someone comes to the door offering home improvement services,” Attorney General DeWine said. “There are many good contractors in Ohio, but there are some that do not follow the law.”
According to the lawsuit, Castaneda offered home remodeling and repairs, including flooring and tree trimming services, under the names AC’s Home Restoration or A&J Home Restoration, neither of which were registered with the Ohio Secretary of State.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office received five complaints against the businesses with reported losses totaling approximately $4,400. Consumers generally said Castaneda asked for payment to rent equipment, but then did little or no work.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, accuses Castaneda of failing to deliver, performing shoddy or substandard work, and failing to give consumers proper notice of their three-day right to cancel. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks restitution for consumers, injunctive relief, and civil penalties.
Castaneda also is facing criminal charges in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court related to his home improvement services. The criminal case is being handled by the office of Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien.
Attorney General DeWine offers consumers the following tips for entering into home improvement transactions:
- Research a company carefully before making any payments. Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or Better Business Bureau. Also conduct an Internet search with the name of the business and words like “reviews” or “complaints.” Be skeptical if you find no information. Some companies change business names regularly to make it harder for consumers to detect their record of shoddy work.
- 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.
- Check your cancellation rights. If a seller does not have a fixed place of business or solicits at your home, you may be entitled to a three-day right to cancel under Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act. Make sure you receive detailed written information about your cancellation rights, as well as the estimated cost of the work, the starting and end dates, and the names of individuals who will perform the services.
- Don’t make large down payments. Be skeptical if someone requires a large down payment, such as a third or more of the total cost, before any work begins. If possible, limit advance payments to no more than 10 percent of the total cost and withhold final payment until the work is complete.
Consumers who suspect unfair or deceptive practices should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
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Documents
Lawsuit (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840