HOME REPAIR COMPANIES BANNED FROM BUSINESS, ORDERED TO PAY REFUNDS, AG COOPER SAYS

Eagle Roofing and Jim’s Black Top Paving took money upfront, never completed repairs 

Raleigh – August 27, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Two local home repair companies have been ordered to pay more than $700,000 in refunds and penalties after misleading dozens of consumers, Attorney General Roy Cooper said today.

“These North Carolina consumers deserve to get their money back,” Cooper said. “Don’t do business with anyone who shows up at your home and asks you to pay upfront for roofing, paving or other repairs.”

At the request of Cooper’s Consumer Protection Division, Wake County Superior Court Judge Henry W. Hight, Jr. ordered defendant Brian William Smith of Eagle Roofing and Restoration to pay $148,308.57 in restitution to consumers, and pay up to $366,709 in civil penalties and investigation costs. Judge Hight also ordered defendant James Stevens, Jr. of Jim’s Black Top Paving to pay $48,750 in restitution and up to $196,750 in civil penalties and investigation costs.

The default judgments also permanently bar each defendant from operating home repair businesses in North Carolina. Eagle Roofing and Restoration was also banned from assisting consumers with insurance claims.

Cooper’s office will work to collect on the judgment and return refunds to consumers. Consumers who have information about either of these companies violating court orders barring them from business in North Carolina are encouraged to contact the Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.

Eagle Roofing and Restoration
According to a complaint filed in April of 2014, Eagle Roofing and Restoration misled homeowners into paying for repair services by claiming that their roofs showed signs of storm damage. After victims signed contracts for repair work and received checks from their insurance companies, Eagle Roofing and Restoration charged half of the repair cost upfront. The company regularly took the money without finishing the roof repairs, and in some cases never began the work. Most victims lost thousands of dollars in the scam.

Eagle Roofing and Restoration also operated as GBS Roofing and operated in Wilmington, Sanford, and Apex. Company owner Brian William Smith’s location is currently unknown.

Jim’s Black Top Paving
Cooper’s office filed a complaint against Jim’s Black Top Paving in May of 2013, alleging that the company talked consumers into paying thousands of dollars for shoddy driveway paving services. According to victims of the scam, the company promised that the repair work would be finished at a substantial discount and failed to inform them of their rights to cancel within three days of purchase. When consumers complained that their driveways cracked shortly after the work was finished, the company refused to pay refunds.

Jim’s Black Top Paving also operated as J&J Paving and Big Time Paving, and worked on projects across North Carolina.

Problems with home repairs ranked number five on the list of top ten consumer complaints to Cooper’s Consumer Protection Division.

To help avoid problems when hiring help for home repairs, follow these tips:

• Never pay the full cost of repair work upfront. Make sure you’re satisfied with the result before making the final payment.

• Always ask for a written contract that lists all the work to be performed, the cost, and the completion date.

• Know your right to cancel. Under North Carolina law, transactions that take place at your home can be cancelled up to three days after you sign the contract.

• Do your research before choosing a company. Ask for recommendations from people you trust, and check with the Better Business Bureau to learn about any complaints against the company.

To check out a home repair company or file a consumer complaint against one, call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM toll-free within North Carolina or visit ncdoj.gov.

Contact: Noelle Talley