(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Attorney General Mike DeWine sought restitution for consumers harmed by two Central Ohio home improvement companies in lawsuits filed today against Bee Improvements LLC, of Columbus, and Cost Saver Home Improvements LLC, of Hilliard.
"Consumers naturally and legally have the expectation that when they hand over their hard-earned dollars for a product or service, they are going to get what they paid for," said Attorney General DeWine. "We will continue to watch out for consumers and protect Ohio's families."
According to the lawsuit, consumers entered into agreements with Bee Improvements and owner operator Glen E. Goddard Jr. based on false or misleading information from the defendants. The defendants also accepted payments from consumers for basement remodeling and other home improvement services but failed to provide any services.
Additionally, Bee Improvements did not provide refunds to consumers even after eight weeks of failure to provide services. In some cases, the business did shoddy work and failed to repair the work, according to the lawsuit.
Attorney General DeWine seeks reimbursement for all consumers harmed by Bee Improvements, civil penalties, and injunctive relief. The Attorney General's Office has received at least seven complaints from consumers against Bee Improvements claiming total damages of $100,000.
Cost Saver Home Improvements, and owner operator Everett Gagnon, failed to provide services and overcharged consumers by changing payment charge amounts on consumers' credit cards, according to the lawsuit. The defendants entered into agreements with consumers to provide window installation primarily through in-home presentations, but failed to provide consumers with written notice of their right to cancel.
The Attorney General seeks reimbursement for all consumers harmed by Cost Saver Home Improvements, civil penalties, and injunctive relief. The Attorney General's Office has received at least five complaints from consumers against Cost Saver Home Improvements claiming a total of $8,500 in damages.
Attorney General DeWine offered consumers these tips when considering entering into agreements for home improvement services:
- Check with local officials to see if permits are required for the project.
- Obtain several estimates before selecting a contractor.
- Ask the contractor to provide references, and check the references.
- Ask the contractor to show proof of licenses, insurance, and bonding. State law does not require home improvement contractors to be licensed, but many Ohio cities do.
- Check with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the local Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to see if complaints are on file against the company.
- Get at least three written estimates from three different contractors.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly by a business can file a complaint by calling 800-282-0515 or visiting www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
Complaints:
Bee Improvements (PDF)
Cost Saver (PDF)
Media Contact:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840