(AKRON, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against an Akron area roofer accused of failing to deliver promised services.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit charges Joseph M. Allen, of Fairlawn, and his business A Ki Restoration LLC of violating Ohio’s consumer protection laws and seeks consumer restitution, an injunction to stop further violations, and civil penalties.
“This contractor was in clear violation of Ohio’s consumer laws,” Attorney General DeWine said. “He took payment for work that he never completed as promised and he didn’t provide refunds. We want to recover funds for consumers who lost money and stop further violations.”
A Ki Restoration had a principal place of business in Medina. Through A Ki Restoration, Joseph Allen offered roof repair, sometimes going door to door to offer his services.
At least 24 complaints were filed against A Ki Restoration, with total reported consumer losses close to $100,000.
Consumers generally said they hired A Ki Restoration for storm damage roof repair or replacement, and although they made deposits, the business failed to start or complete the work as promised and failed to provide refunds.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, charges Joseph Allen and A Ki Restoration with violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act. Specific counts include failure to deliver and failure to give consumers notice of their right to cancel.
Attorney General DeWine offered consumers the following tips for entering into a home improvement contract:
- Check the reputation of a business before work begins. Ask for several references from prior customers and contact them to see if they were satisfied with the company’s performance.
- Research previous complaints with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau and consider performing a simple Internet search of the company to look for additional information.
- Get multiple estimates. If expensive repairs are recommended during an inspection, do not feel pressured to act immediately. Consult with additional companies to obtain second and third opinions along with competitive estimates for the recommended work.
- Receive a written, detailed contract. Make sure the contract includes all important details such as when the work will begin and end and who will be performing the work.
- Remember that most door-to-door solicitation contracts must come with a 3-day right to cancel to allow you to reconsider the purchase. No work should start until the cancellation period has expired.
- Do not pay for an entire project up front. Consider paying one-third of the total cost as a down payment, one-third when half of the work is completed to your satisfaction, and the remaining third once the project is successfully completed.
Consumers who suspect unfair business 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