(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced lawsuits against a southwest Ohio home improvement contractor and a central Ohio home improvement contractor for failing to deliver promised services to consumers and performing shoddy work.
In separate lawsuits, the Attorney General accuses Columbia Exteriors LLC, of Cincinnati, and Big Ten Construction LLC, of Columbus, of violating Ohio’s consumer protection laws.
“In these cases, consumers paid thousands of dollars for home repairs they never received as promised,” Attorney General DeWine said. “We have an obligation to protect consumers, and when we find a pattern of violations and a contractor’s unwillingness to resolve problems out of court, we have to act.”
The first lawsuit, filed in the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, accuses Columbia Exteriors and owners Christopher Craft and David Isgrig of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.
According to the lawsuit, Columbia Exteriors offered home improvement services to consumers but failed to deliver the promised services, performed shoddy or incomplete work, and failed to provide proper notice or honor cancellations of door-to-door sales.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is aware of 15 unresolved complaints against the business with losses totaling over $32,000. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks restitution for affected consumers, an end to any violations of state consumer laws, and civil penalties.
The second lawsuit, filed in the Delaware County Common Pleas Court, accuses Big Ten Construction and owner Eric Tischer of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.
According to the lawsuit, Big Ten Construction offered home remodeling and repair services but failed to deliver promised services, performed shoddy work, failed to obtain proper permits, violated the terms of a previous agreement with the Ohio Attorney General, and failed to give consumers proper notice of their right to cancel a door-to-door sale.
Since 2015, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has received seven complaints against Big Ten Construction with alleged losses totaling more than $51,000. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks restitution for affected consumers, an end to any violations of Ohio’s consumer laws, and civil penalties.
Attorney General DeWine offered consumers the following tips to avoid problems when hiring a home improvement contractor:
- Ask for recommendations. Talk to your friends, family, or neighbors for suggestions.
- Be skeptical of contractors who come to your door unexpectedly. Some door-to-door sellers are scam artists who will take your money without providing any work in return.
- Research a company carefully before making any payments. Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and 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 find 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 you 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.
- Get a detailed written contract. Demand a written contract that includes all important terms, such as the estimated cost of the work, the starting and end dates, and the names of individuals who will perform the services. Check to make sure that verbal promises are put in writing. Don’t rely on verbal claims alone.
- Avoid making 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 an unfair business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
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Documents
Columbia Exteriors lawsuit (PDF)
Big Ten Construction lawsuit (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840