Canton contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services – The-review

Published: March 10, 2017 3:00 AM

CANTON -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced a lawsuit against a home improvement contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services to northeast Ohio consumers.

Clinton A. Matthews, of Canton, and his business, Matthews Home Services LLC, are accused of violating Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act. In the lawsuit, DeWine seeks reimbursement for consumers and an end to any violations of the law.

According to the lawsuit, Matthews did business as Matthews Home Services, offering home improvement services, such as basement or home office remodeling and vinyl siding installation.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office has received three complaints against Matthews Home Services. Estimated consumer losses total approximately $4,550. Additional complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau. In their complaints, consumers generally said Matthews took their money but failed to start the work as scheduled, provided multiple excuses for delays, and either never did any work or did work that was shoddy.

The lawsuit, filed in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas, accuses Matthews of failure to deliver and shoddy workmanship.

DeWine offers consumers the following recommendations to help prevent home improvement problems:

Research a company before making any payments. Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General's Office or 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 operators change business names regularly to make it harder for consumers to detect 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 home improvement contractor does not have a fixed place of business or comes to your door to offer services, you may be entitled to a three-day right to cancel the contract under Ohio's Home Solicitation Sales Act. Make sure you receive detailed written information about your cancellation rights.

Make sure verbal promises are put in writing. Get a detailed written contract including any verbal claims the contractor makes and other important details, such as the estimated cost of the work, the expected start and end dates, and the names of the individuals who will perform the services.

Be wary of requests for large down payments. It's reasonable for a contractor to require a down payment, but be skeptical if you're asked to make a large down payment (such as half or more of the total cost) before any work begins. If possible, pay in increments as the work is completed.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office at http://www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

A copy of the lawsuit is available on the Ohio Attorney General Office's website, http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.

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Canton contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services - The-review