(COLUMBUS and BRYAN, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced lawsuits against two home improvement contractors accused of taking money for work they failed to perform as promised for Ohio consumers.
In Franklin County, John Mammosser, doing business as First Class Interiors, is accused of performing incomplete or shoddy kitchen, bathroom, or flooring services and failing to give consumers proper notice of their three-day right to cancel the contract. Estimated losses for the four unresolved consumer complaints filed with the Attorney General’s Office or Better Business Bureau total more than $18,000.
In Williams County, Ever Clean LLC and its owner, Thadius Wind, are accused of performing shoddy or incomplete gutter installation services and limiting consumers’ cancellation rights. Eight consumers have filed complaints listing more than $18,000 in total damages.
In both cases, the Attorney General is seeking consumer restitution, civil penalties, and an end to any violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.
“While there are many good home improvement contractors, some don’t complete the work they are contracted to do,” Attorney General DeWine said. “When we find patterns of violations, we have an obligation to act. We also encourage consumers to be careful about the people they hire to work on their homes and to report problems to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.”
Consumers can help protect themselves from home improvement problems by taking the following steps:
- Research contractors carefully. Ask neighbors, friends, or family members for recommendations. Review complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau. Check with the Ohio Secretary of State to confirm that the business is properly registered.
- Get written estimates from several contractors before making a final decision.
- Keep in mind that in Ohio, door-to-door sellers generally are required to give you a three-day right to cancel the contract.
- Read any documents a contractor gives you before signing them. Don’t rely on verbal claims.
- Be wary if the contract requires a large down payment, such as half of the total cost.
- Make sure the written contract includes the start and end dates and an itemized list of all material costs, labor, and services.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
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Documents
Williams County lawsuit (PDF)
Franklin County lawsuit (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840