PUEBLO COUNTY — An Avondale female expended her personal savings to develop an ADA obtainable bed room and lavatory for her disabled partner.
After composing the examine, the contractor hired to do the operate began the occupation and then disappeared.
Wendy Dunn paid out a lot more than $37,000 up entrance for a two-story addition to her residence again in August 2020.
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In accordance to Dunn, the upper flooring was intended to have two bedrooms for her grandchildren and the decrease ground was meant to have an obtainable bedroom and bathroom for her husband—a disabled veteran.
“This is what we got,” Dunn showed News 5. “He’s not coming back. It is really around and he took our dollars and we have almost nothing to exhibit for it.”
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Dunn says she hired a identify named Lucas “Luke” Smith, the operator of Legion Design.
We could not come across an official internet web page for Legion Construction, but did locate multiple ads Smith posted for property renovation services on social media.
In one Facebook advertisement, Smith describes his company as “responsible, rapid, quality do the job that will not likely break the bank”.
“I would have never assumed the gentleman was respiration a word that was untrue,” Dunn explained. “He was a quite good clean talker from day 1.”
After taking the money, Legion Development did get started the undertaking by laying a concrete basis and partial wood body.
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As of May perhaps 2021—9 months later, the task remains unfinished.
Dunn suggests no one from the organization has shown up for a number of months.
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Her property is now left with mounds of dirt, together with a foundation she suggests is crumbling and not aligned with the flooring peak of her home.
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“We trusted him,” she reported. “He gave us a terrific talk a thirty day period just before we commenced and the moment he started off he by no means came again.”
News 5 sent Smith a accredited letter trying to get remark previous month. So considerably, he has not responded.
The Dunn’s are now currently being represented by the Moye White Legislation Company in Denver.
“The work Legion did execute failed to conform to the appropriate options and building codes,” lawyer Patrick Hickey claimed in a “See of Design Problems” letter issued to Legion Development. “In addition to the uncompleted and defective building, Legion is wrongfully holding $37,800 that the Dunn’s paid out Legion for the undertaking pursuant to a test dated August 2, 2020.”
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Business despatched a detective out to get a scenario report relevant to the issue.
The report was turned more than to the Pueblo County DA’s Workplace for overview for attainable felony costs.
Due to the fact do the job on the venture was began, the scenario was considered civil in character.
The Dunn spouse and children states they are now going forward with submitting a lawsuit.
“Nothing at all has been touched due to the fact he (Lucas Smith) left it,” Dunn mentioned.
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Investigating contractors:
Prior to creating any contractor a verify or handing about money, make certain they keep a legitimate contractor’s license with your county’s regional developing division.
Pikes Peak Regional Making: 719-327-2880
Pueblo Building Department: 719-543-0002
Normally get a contract in writing and ask for a “begin day” and believed “completion date” be disclosed on the deal. This can support you if your scenario finishes up in civil courtroom.
Contractors need to have coverage for their corporation. Inquire to see a copy of their insurance policies protection so you know what is protected.
Use on line testimonials as a reference, but understand that opinions are not always vetted. You can check out formal problems submitted by contacting your local Superior Enterprise Bureau Office or the Colorado Lawyer General’s Place of work.
BBB: 719-636-1155
Colorado AG: 720-508-6000
Employed a contractor who did not do any do the job?:
If you compensated a contractor revenue up entrance for a career that has not been started off, this situation could be prison in nature and you should file a report with your neighborhood regulation enforcement company.
However, if a undertaking was started out and just isn’t really full, the situation is most likely civil in mother nature and you’ll have to file a civil lawsuit to get better any revenue and damages you believe that you are owed.
Submitting official complaints:
Fb, Yelp! and Google evaluations support other people investigation organizations, but they are not official issues.
To file a formal complaint with the Greater Organization Bureau, simply click here.
To file a formal complaint with the buyer security division at the Colorado Attorney General’s Place of work, click listed here.
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