(MEDINA, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a roofer accused of failing to deliver promised services to consumers in northeast Ohio.
According to the lawsuit, Benovic Construction LLC and owner Cassie Benovic contacted consumers at their homes and took payment for roof repairs they never provided. Estimated consumer losses total about $12,000, based on two Medina County consumer complaints.
“We are committed to protecting Ohio’s consumers,” Attorney General DeWine said. “When homeowners pay for services they never receive, we do whatever we can to help them. In some cases, that involves court action to hold violators accountable.”
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Medina County Common Pleas Court, accuses the defendants of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act. Counts include failure to deliver and failure to notify consumers of their three-day right to cancel a door-to-door sale. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for harmed consumers, an injunction to stop violations of the law, and civil penalties.
Attorney General DeWine reminds consumers to beware of home repair scams, especially during warm summer months, when contractors may come to their door offering services.
Tips to avoid home improvement problems include:
- Research contractors carefully. Ask neighbors, friends, or family members for recommendations. Check with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau for complaints against a contractor. Talk to other customers and ask them about their experiences.
- Get several written estimates. Before making a final decision, ask for and review estimates from several contractors. Don’t assume that the lowest estimate is your best option.
- Check your cancellation rights. Keep in mind that in Ohio, you generally have a three-day right to cancel a contract that results from a door-to-door sale. Sellers must give you written notice about this right.
- Don’t make large down payments. It’s reasonable for a contractor to require some advance payment, but if you’re asked to pay half or more of the total cost or to sign over your insurance check before any work begins, be skeptical. Try to pay in increments as the work is completed to your satisfaction.
- Review contracts before signing them. If a contractor makes any verbal promises, insist that they are put in writing. Also make sure the written contract includes the project’s start and end dates and an itemized list of all material costs, labor, and services.
Consumers can check for complaints against a business, learn about scams, or file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at
www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
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Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840