Victims say dream homes turned into nightmares, Georgia builder indicted

A builder promised families he would build them their dream homes in the North Georgia mountains. But homeowners said they were left with half-finished homes and unpaid bills. The builder took in millions of dollars, and now families want to know what happened to all that money.
The full story: 2wsb.tv/41J97ZF
SUBSCRIBE: www.youtube.co...
ABOUT WSB-TV CHANNEL 2 ACTION NEWS:
WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News is your home for breaking news, live video, traffic, weather and your guide to everything local for Atlanta and North Georgia.
CONNECT WITH WSB-TV:
Visit the WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News WEBSITE: www.wsbtv.com
Like WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News on FACEBOOK: / wsbtv
Follow WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News on TWITTER: / wsbtv
Follow WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News on INSTAGRAM: / wsbtv

[@mysterymayhem7020]

They should refuse to authorize the bankruptcy claim because he committed crimes in furtherance of his business. They should not allow him the protections that bankruptcy provides.

[@MrShobar]

Who's "they"? He has a right to declare bankruptcy as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. That cannot be used to absolve him of any state crimes (fraud, etc.) or civil liabilities (breach of contract, etc.).

[@lifeintornadoalley]

Take your comment and eat it. I hope your family gets exposed for abusing you and causing you to comment a dumb comment

[@janmarine2193]

Actually this is the only way to free the unfinished properties of the liens placed on them .

[@MrShobar]

@@janmarine2193 No. The way to "free" the properties is for the property owner to pay the lien holder and file a lien release. The lien is against the property. Not the contractor.

[@janmarine2193]

@@MrShobar the lien is against the property which is collateral in construction. They were placed because of failure to receive payment for materials and services by the contractor. Where did you obtain your law degree?

[@tbolton6156]

"How do he sleep at night?" Probably been stealing all his life!

[@residentrump3271]

He probably sleeps very soundly in an expensive bed on expensive sheets paid for with the money his lies got him

[@Winstonrodney6989]

@@residentrump3271 did you see his house and his truck? He’s not living the rich life. He’s a guy that knows how to build but not how to bid and manage money. What wound up happening was still criminal but if he wanted to spend his life stealing there are easier ways to do it. He bit off more than he could chew and had a higher opinion of his abilities as a builder than reality warranted. Not making excuses for the guy just saying I would bet my bottom dollar his original intentions were not to scam these people.

[@1_star_reviews]

He doesn’t sleep at night. Obviously stealing to keep up his meth habit.

[@residentrump3271]

@@Winstonrodney6989 Would you hire a contractor like him? Are you a fool or a friend of this guy? You know, I may have some primo beachfront property in Oklahoma you might be interested in....

[@Winstonrodney6989]

@@residentrump3271 no just a guy that’s spent my life in the home building and construction business. I’ve seen it all from guys like this to Gypsy scammers. Usually the people that start out with the intentions to steal are remodeling contractors. They take a big down payment and then split after they rip your house apart. They also tend to move around and not stay in one area. You can tell this guy at least tried to build these homes. Nobody in their right mind is going to sign contracts to build homes in the area that they live In with the intentions of stealing money right off the bat. Nobody is that stupid. Unless he wanted to go to jail.

[@frankm8533]

A friend and i were Sub contractors for a guy in VA doing kitchens & bathrooms i started noticing these customers thought they were getting high end stuff waiting weeks but it was all Home depot basic junk I was picking up shower pans for 100$ or a vanity for 300$ then customers telling me they paid 2,000$ or more for stuff that was supposedly special order or custom After maybe 10 12 jobs we rolled out reported him and told those customers on previous jobs what they actually got

[@calamity0.o]

My dad's contractor was also his best friend of 50 years since high school. He was a good man who let dad be the honest no nonsense guy that looks out for the elderly. He was doing a roof and the elderly neighbor asked about her gutters. The guy who did her roof hung the shingle flush with the gutter instead of an overhang. So rain just leaked right in. She had got a ridiculous estimate from the original guy and dad did it for the cost of materials, about 80 bucks for a gutter guard type strip thing, I forget what he called it, that was all she needed, not hundreds of dollars.

[@blackreacher]

Snitch

[@queline213]

​@@blackreacher I am a snitch too. If you are cheating someone, I'll report you.

[@queline213]

Way to go, Frank! God will bless you for your honesty.

[@aday1637]

This particular scam may be immoral but probably isn't illegal. If you specify a known type item and you don't get it, then you can refuse to pay until it is replaced. Always get it in writing. Never use word of mouth to deal on large items, EVER.

[@davidzajac4907]

This happens all too often. My mother and her husband foolishly paid upfront for a new kitchen and you guessed it, he never came back. He died in an accident months later. They had to start over and were out THOUSANDS. My neighbor paid a guy to build them a three car garage. He poured concrete, brought some very rippled plywood over and never came back. They got a judgement but 15 years later, they didnt get a cent. NEVER PAY UPFRONT. At most do a pay as you go. Deliver material with a receipt, pay him. Start work, pay him. Finish work, pay him.

[@accuratealloys]

That’s how I operate my business. I get a cc number and I charge it as I go, I get the clients permission each time. I have more work that time to do it.

[@leabush2608]

Your mother and her husband????

[@davidzajac4907]

@@leabush2608 yes, my father died, she remarried. Happens every day.

[@ql6746]

I had a loser in Gwinnett who took my money and only built one side of my fence. Pos

[@isaiahakaic6386]

@@ql6746 what’s the companies name so I can avoid them?

[@Obamaistoast2012]

Builders are often the worst scammers out there, I worked in the industry for years and it's always the same old story.

[@jacobhoffman2553]

ya there dooshbags out there, 3 outa 4 home owners tho straight up trying to find someone to sue...

[@lfw641]

Truth though, there are a lot more crooked customers than there are crooked businesses.

[@Winstonrodney6989]

@@lfw641 when I started out in the business I used to worry homeowners would have trust issues because of the bad rap contractors get. To my surprise I found out how many homeowners can be the shady ones. All they have to do is not pay and the worst that will happen is the courts will split the difference and make them pay half. One lawyer I new built a whole house this way by not paying his subs. Only half of them sued him and of those half he only had to pay half of what was owed. He literally bragged to me about how this was his method. He must have liked me or something because oddly enough he paid me in full.

[@lfw641]

@@Winstonrodney6989 Yep, this is why things went from business on a handshake to everything on a contract. Also why down payments that cover all the material and labor cost are common now.

[@Winstonrodney6989]

@@lfw641 yep. I must admit that laziness with paperwork is why I have mostly always done business with a handshake. I have literally eaten time and material overruns so my customers don’t think I’m trying to rip them off. I have been screwed over by non payment twice in the 15 years I have been on my own. I still do business on a handshake but now it’s only with my long trusted customers. You definitely can’t operate like this in a larger business but I am pretty small time and it works for me (most of the time).

[@wlachappelle]

He shouldn't be out of jail

[@kenj.8897]

Why not they let Killers out on bail . The whole country is turned into a big cesspool. Blame it on liberalism

[@roberthance2412]

I would lose my mind & more than likely my freedom if that ever happened to me ..

[@User-gfys-0icu81]

Thats why you never do business with republicans.

[@lefty5463]

I hear ya man. I know how you feel, i would be madder than hell if someone did that me too. Think twice about your freedom to a cell 6x8, this scum bag is not worth it. I hope he get a small 6x8 cell with bubba in it.

[@queline213]

Violence isn't the answer. You don't want to lose your life over a thief.

[@roberthance2412]

@@queline213 A major event like this could be just as bad if you are left in the gutter as a result .

[@User-gfys-0icu81]

@@queline213 yes. It is the answer. If someone took me for a few hundred grand, his entire family is gonna have to answer for him.

[@mrsmith1339]

When you build a house or do major renovations, you must set up a draw procedure. I put all of the money in escrow. As the builder completed segments, the funds were dispensed. The builder sees the money in escrow and knows that you can pay. I also ask for a lien release from each major supplier as the segment was completed. This is standard procedure.

[@lefty5463]

Most people don't check him out before dealing with a crook like this, they hand over the money after listening to this crook talk. He must be a good talker and showing plans. He tells you what you wanna here. I hear about scam artist like him all the time.

[@DwightStJohn-w1l]

and you're not a CONSUMER, so he'll move on to someone who thinks like a consumer. And stick them. I did the same thing for GOOD guys in rural areas that were always robbing Petter to pay Paul, using Peters' material to build for John, and thought they could do that to me. Called for a "cash advance" ...........oh, really? I had paid and you can pick up the box/power pole and material at the store..it's signed out for your name. DoH!!

[@NipItInTheBud100]

Contractors do this because they know they can get away with it. Plus the bankruptcy laws allow the business to go bankrupt while the contractor keeps the money!!

[@lefty5463]

If they would close up those loop holes with bankruptcy this would not happen to good people. He is gonna hide behind it. He maybe still doing it to people i'm sure.

[@tooldog5062]

thats why you never pay up front, i have watched people decide to pay when the work is almost done and the moment that person leaves the contractor will load up and head to the nearest bar Rule number 1 never pay anything out until the job is complete, if you supply the martials do so in small quantity! my suggestion install cams hidden or visible Amazon has the cheap and in all sizes that way you can make sure the contractor is there and working, it gives you the option to say you're done get out of here if they aren't doing the job, i have worked for the rich and they dont skip a thing, and they are like vultures looking for away to keep from paying out, and when you hire someone always use a contract even if its wall paper, i did a job for an old witch she had a young woman wall papering her kitchen and when that woman was done that old greedy B handed her a $1 and told her to leave, well i left to, told her to get her own crap and finish her own job, and i let other contractors know to so no one else got ripped!

[@lefty5463]

@@tooldog5062 Channel 9 news in NC state talks about people like this everyday. They are saying the same thing your saying. People are still paying up front. I don't understand why people think they need to pay up front like that. I hear about scams all most everyday. It's sad.

[@tooldog5062]

@@lefty5463 if anyone can make a buck they'll do it, i have done many jobs where i was offered the money up front instead of a contract, point is if you take something up front that person employer will try to control you, demand you drop all other work on your schedule and cater to them, and they will threaten you, for con artist like this yea start a business but make sure the insurances the owner ship appears in someone else's name like the wife, that way you can rip people and it will take forever for them to nail them on it, and the payout insurance is minimal! and as long as everything is in your name and nothing in the wife's name, they can't get blood from dust!

[@blackreacher]

Seriously? Home builder it is

[@tyshaunmonique9859]

He had an opportunity to run a business right and decided to be a fraud. I would of love that someone trusted my business he could of hired employees with all the money he was making.

[@myrrhavm]

I bet that guy has millions in someone else’s name. You’d think in Georgia he’d turn up missing or him in his truck at the bottom of some mountain.

[@jcfra420]

Are you kidding? In Georgia he is probably getting high fives. I lived there for 15 years, one of the most corrupt states I have ever been in. Hell in my county, 2 judges were arrested and prosecuted for funneling kids into the new Juvenile detention facility for kick backs. Everyone scams in Georgia, and then they go and laugh about it in church.

[@kelvinvann1969]

💯

[@DwightStJohn-w1l]

Wife does the agent/book kieeping and he does't look like an alki,/druggie/crack head. He's keeping the money, Until someone calls in a favor.........from the local biker club house.

[@3peckeredgoat735]

I'm a home builder, this man and others like him make me sick! I'm so sorry these home owners had to deal with this monster. Make sure you ask for references, and look at work in progress.

[@moduc996]

The problem is within our own government and/or state laws. We allow these criminals to declare bankruptcy AND then allow them to start up new companies or LLC’s . I too experienced the same ordeal, only to find out that the person declared bankruptcy and then created a new LLC. I know he is continuing to rip other people off because of the suit I filed against the LLC. He has probably done this over and over each time. There is no accountability nor background investigations from our state or government. My attorney at the time said, it’s because of the small amount of money he was ripping each customer off. But if you are stealing $5K to $10K per customer repeatedly, it all adds up to over hundred of thousands of dollars. These people are professional thieves, and state laws are built to protect them.

[@duskytraveller8261]

Precisely

[@richardstarke4093]

This is no surprise to have happened in Fannin County.

[@rhondagrace1370]

That's the real problem same thing with car jackings, robberies, even murder. Not tough on crime.

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

Pretty cool that the couple learned to do the drywall themselves. The scammer sounds like a prick but the resolve of the couple to finish the job is pretty awesome. Good job Howard!

[@MrShobar]

I'd bet they didn't want to learn drywalling in retirement.

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

@@MrShobar Was that my inference?

[@kevinmach730]

I agree. As someone who was around before the internet was doing much useful for the average person, it's amazing the kind of videos and information that is out there in order to do things yourself. If may not always be perfect, but neither is the work many of these contractors do.

[@margaretarross1712]

So how was he able to form a new LLC when he had this record of default and defraud behind him?

[@User-gfys-0icu81]

No matter if your previous LLC fails, under REPUBLICAN Georgia law: a person can hold an unlimited number off LLC’s as long as all fees and “state required tests” are “satisfied” In other words: grease the palms of the courthouse and youre a member of the club…. No wonder we are flipping to democrat! 😂

[@User-gfys-0icu81]

To anyone affected by this monster: Please call me, im a small guy, ill help you fix your issue. So many contractors pay the money, pass the test, only to be a scammer.

[@smahmood4642]

His wife now created a new LLC.

[@RoseNZieg]

it's not republican issue. you can do that in Democrat states too. it's called business as usual.

[@ReeseMoe73]

​@CharlesJ Ebarb please go back to New York or California with that logic 🤦

[@BirdDogey1]

I did a kitchen remodel through Sears years ago. People told me they knew someone who could have done it cheaper. Maybe, but with Sears I had recourse. BTW, the contractor they sent was fast and no complaints with the workmanship. My sister did a kitchen remodel that went to doo doo with that guy who could do it cheaper.

[@glenwillison]

I was an estimator for high end homes in this same area for nearly 20 years. Too often an inexperienced builder would come into our area and beat my (and other responsible contractors) bids by huge amounts. The homeowners would sometimes claim that I was trying to rip them off. A few months later the builder would go belly up, leaving the homeowners high and dry.

[@danielq.4371]

I work in construction and the amount of times I've been underbid to other guys who don't know what they're doing is crazy. Even when I wouldn't pull a permit I'd still make sure it was up to code!!

[@DwightStJohn-w1l]

Our rural locals are HIGHER than outside contractors, want to make ALL their money on one job, and then go play, and then scream about outsiders getting the bids. the thing about locals is it's all or nothing: they're either so good they're more than busy, or they're useless.!! But builds now are so busy even the idiots are getting as much work as they want.

[@ieattofu68]

This is my first time hearing about any of those shady builders getting arrested. Glad to see.

[@gailhitson7340]

What on earth did he do with their 3 million dollars? They need to put these thieves in prison and throw away the keys. This behavior is unforgivable. He's destroyed people's lives at a time where they cannot just start over again due to their retirement age. An honest man wouldn't need to shift the blame, and since he was the experienced professional who knowingly entered into these construction contracts, he's the one responsible for what happened.

[@ladymiss9466]

I feel for these people. I got screwed by my realtor who worked with the inspector to give the thumbs up for the home I bought. A few weeks later, I discovered plumbing issues, mildew under the carpet, rats in the wall, and a lack of energy efficiency. 😥

[@cappiece3786]

Inspectors are usually hired by The Lending institutions

[@supportmytroups7]

Sounds illegal .

[@cchaffincc]

@@cappiece3786Inspectors are hired by the prospective buyer, appraisers are contracted by the lender.

[@p9782]

Same thing happened to me, but luckily the issues weren't as big. Point is, is people that knowingly screw you and expect to get away with it for gain. May they get screwed where it hurts them the most!

[@sonyab2u974]

Sorry that happened to you but always hire an independent inspector not referred by the builder or realtor

[@africanqueen1655]

He & his wife should not have $1 left after court. They should be forced to drain her retirement accounts. Evil & Greedy. 🙏🏿

[@mindysuarez1699]

He should have no bond! His home should be seized for monies owed. He should never be allowed another license

[@terripebsworth9623]

I wonder how vendors can sue those (partial) homeowners since the homeowners are actually the ones who ordered or signed a contract with them. Are they trying to reposses goods or materials that were delivered but never paid for and the homeowners are refusing to allow them to do that? I would think the vendor suit should be with their client, not the client's customer.

[@10-4CodyWade]

The vendors or subcontractors can place a lien on the property if they don't get paid. Essentially they provided labor and materials for the home and until they get paid it still belongs to them. They can then sue to foreclose on the lien if it's not paid. A homeowner can also sue to have the lien removed.

[@captspaulding8530]

Someone is going to make him dissappear in a most painfull way.

[@mysterymayhem7020]

that new house he was building may find a brand new concrete floor in the basement, after which no one will be able to find him anymore.

[@GA-os1uy]

ALWAYS, before committing / paying check in the City Hall Building Dept if your contractor has violations.

[@alphaomega5909]

Check lots of things. Licenses, BBB ratings, References. But even then? There's really good con artists.

[@musicful7036]

I don't understand, paying what check? City hall take cares of what?

[@Tom-kn6sr]

The bankruptcy laws need to change. A thief should not be able to hide behind bankruptcy.

[@eckankar7756]

Some good old boys need to give that builder a visit so he and his wife don't continue scamming people under their new LLC.

[@mirandagarrett4231]

How in the world does this man have the money to bond out of jail when he apparently owes these people hundreds of thousands of dollars

[@ninadavis5517]

How is it his wife is able to get a new building company and he is able to file bankruptcy from stolen money? That is insane.

[@BY-og5nc]

Feel bad for these people. I had the same thing happen in Texas with my builder. He refused to finish the home, I sued and won in Dallas county court. He filed claiming he was bankrupt and I got nothing. Courts don't protect the consumer. He just changed the name of the company and began building under a new name. There was nothing I could do about it. Still pissed off about it.

[@cashflow68]

I used to work in the area back in the 80's. Nothing has changed. No, its a lot worse.Thanks London, you're doing a great job.

[@maurreese]

My prayers are with the victims!!

[@ed0078]

Give me a break

[@jurek991]

Yeah, cause prayers are going to help here.

[@DD-gi6kx]

that'll fix it

[@tina8796]

This happened to my neighbors across the street. Guy tore their place apart and never finished the job. He spent all their money and just quit coming. He came every day for a few weeks and then about once every two weeks and then about once a month and then quit altogether. He made a mess and just left. This happened over about a year's time. A job that should have taken about two months stretched out into about a year. He finally just abandoned the job. So, now they have no money to hire someone else. He gave me the creeps and I knew there was something fishy about him from day one. Don't know if they're taking him to court. He claims he's completely broke so I guess it wouldn't do any good to take him to court. You can't get blood from a turnip

[@scott1395]

Been in construction for 36 years! I've seen many guys like this over that period! It always amazes me how they move somewhere else and in no time they are back at their same old deceptions! I feel for these people! Maybe some of the subs, elec, plumbing, hvac can strike up a deal with the homeowners to get those parts of the job completed when the time comes! It's usually more expensive and difficult to find someone to finish someone's else's work!

[@MarcoPolo-zn4gm]

Put him in prison and throw the keys away. He would scam his own grandmother , the penalty for theft crime's in egypt is chop off the hand that stole 👇🪓

[@bilo6832]

I don’t understand why the subcontractors can lien the homeowner when they have paid the contractor. I totally understand the subcontractors need to be paid, but there should be other mechanisms like a large contractor bond or ability to lien the contractor’s property. I have never understood why the homeowner can be held responsible when they have upheld their contract to the general contractor.

[@danielq.4371]

The lein is on the house itself. A legitimate home builder who care enough to pay his subs

[@kbo730]

My ex husband became a “contractor” and a lot of this sounds familiar. He screwed a lot of people over, including me. I was a teacher so I was in a classroom all day and had no idea until I decided to help him with his non existent business. It’s so easy to take advantage of people. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing all over the place.

[@brandonhulsey2617]

So why did he leave you? Lol

[@kbo730]

@@brandonhulsey2617I kicked him out after I helped him get back on his feet. I’m an idiot.

[@kbo730]

@@inthesun3884 you are exactly right. Thank you.

[@-Primer-]

Most "contractors" never swing a hammer. They are just middle men that take a cut of your money for a little management and hiring sub-contractors. This guy is probably guilty of Tax evasion as well.

[@lefty5463]

WoW! This is really mess up for the little guy under the contractors, so looks like the little guy is stuck with the bill or the owner pays for it. Dang! That's not right.

[@HLBNZ]

​@@lefty5463 The laws favor the scammers unfortunately. Capitalism baby!

[@lefty5463]

@@HLBNZ Your right! Its been going on for years.

[@redzoom7857]

He’s bold, people snap for a lot less nowadays…

[@joeldriver-sp2rg]

If I were to ever commit to something like building a house I would do a bunch of research on any company that I was going to hire. I'm not blaming these people but there is no way I'm going to give somebody that much money with putting them under some serious scrutiny.

[@jcr1382]

Going through this right now. We got start and completion dates in writing, but again we and other clients are stuck with half completed homes and having to find financing to complete them.

[@bihsaidwhatnow2392]

Having it in writing is NOT a guarantee that the builder/contractor will do what's in the contract and is NOT a guarantee that you will not wind up in court suing to get the builder/contractor to complete the job. Going through it as I comment --- waiting for my day in court.

[@godmadesam]

I’m surprised no one has taken his life.

[@sometimeslifehandsyouapple1085]

My question. Did the contractor not have a surety bond in order to get permits. Surety bonds are in place for this very problem and almost always required for major permit jobs. So that if the contractor walks or does subpar work the bond quicks in so that you are able to hire another contractor to finish

[@BRExteriorPro]

It's Fannin county alot is built without permits it's really asinine.

[@goingaboutmyfathersbusines4359]

That's just rotten..but I thought all contractors had to be insured? If that's the case why don't these folks sue his insurance company and get their money back?

[@josephrusso7069]

I live in the northeast Georgia mountain area. I bought my home new in 2018. What a disgusting slop-job! No standards in Georgia for builders. They give anyone with a pulse a license to build. Georgia laws are crap!

[@dgoddard]

Wow! He had a license and still did this to people. Kind of makes you wonder if licenses aren't just a way for the state to extort more money out of companies. License are useless and don't mean anything. When you are hiring someone and plan to spend a good bunch of money through them, do your due diligence. Otherwise, you're a fool. And you know what they say about a fool and his money.

[@walsh9354]

Well you literally $40 $50 for a contracting license Anyone can do it 😂 You don’t need a business either It literally is so the states can make money

[@robertmanley2687]

I built a home in West Central Georgia in 2005 the builder was local as were the subs. He got 10% weekly of everything paid. There were no Notice of Liens and I paid the subs in person weekly always getting a receipt. We lived on the property in a trailer until job was finished 7 months. I worked with the contractors everyday watching and cleaning up. I paid good money. If your not on the job watching every nail being pounded. Watch Out.

[@ernestwooley1245]

How is he walking around free?💯

[@duskytraveller8261]

Great question

[@BRExteriorPro]

Fannin county that's why

[@Cornbreadfed82]

This is horrible!! I feel so sorry for them.

[@Mannie_Sanchez92]

Spot on example of greed.

[@lefty5463]

I would be madder than hell if someone did that me. I hope he get a small 6x8 cell with bubba in it. You don't know who to trust anymore.

[@jeromegarcia5396]

See I hate these guys, I've been doing any type of work as a remodeling expert since 2020, currently helping someone at $50-100 a day to redo so much work. I'm glad he got arrested because that's what will fix this...

[@jebronlames7789]

Learned how to build a home bt being a stairguy and watching and learning. Added 2600ft to my home and ended kicking contractores off job and doing 85% myself including drawing and submitting blue prints under builder owner. Failed 0 inspections. Ah school in the 70s was great

[@josron6088]

That's really cool. And you sound like a really smart guy.

[@jebronlames7789]

@@josron6088 thanks but I just like learning and friends that own company's to get advise from helps also

[@284Winchester]

That’s a good way for someone to come up missing under suspicious circumstances

[@Gale4ce1]

Scoundrel is being too kind.

[@drinny26]

I’m a real estate agent. DO NOT BUY A HOME THAT IS LESS THAN 15 - 20 YEARS OLD!

[@PizzaPieforever713]

Why?

[@gmjent5671]

Yah,…..Why?

[@drinny26]

@@PizzaPieforever713 if it’s wood frame I’ve heard from many home inspectors that builders are using cheap materials, not enough materials, and using cheap illegal labor to cut building costs. One recently showed me in an attic crawl space there should have been more beams and the ones that were there were secured with less screw and nails that should be there. They said down the road not too long homeowners will have serious repairs to do. It’s scary what I see and is supposedly considered “new”. I’d rather buy an old home and renovate it.

[@PizzaPieforever713]

@drinny26 Thanks for replying! I noticed that the older homes seem to be built with more thought and time, also. I recently brought a home built in 1973, that was renovated. I have a question, how soon should I worry about the plumbing in such a old home??

[@tammypritts8102]

Thats awful i feel bad for them poor people..that man should not be out of jail ..sickness me .😡

[@TheBohodiva]

I work in construction on the legal side. Spend the extra money to have a lawyer draft your agreement. They will know to require lien waivers in the contract and a milestone payment set up with a guarantee bond if advance payment is needed. These are just some protections a lawyer would require.

[@cinemaipswich4636]

"Completion Insurance" is everywhere. The movie industry has used it for 80 Years. Some jurisdictions have a no fault completion bond entity.

[@Quilt4Joy]

What happened to paying only 10% until project is done. That’s what I did for my home renovation. The contractor insisted. So, when he started the kitchen , he got 10% up front. When done, I paid the balance. When he started the bathrooms. Same thing. Never give a ton of money upfront.

[@perfectpainter9140]

I’m a contractor , I never collect anything until progress is complete and it’s still a net 30 , homeowner get ripped off because contractors will lie to you and say you need to pay them up front don’t pay more then 5 percent up front don’t ever pay them for work they did not do or material that is not on the job

[@singleparenthustle3689]

One of the 2 most dishonest business in the world, Builders, and Car Dealers 💯

[@bidenkamala-wu4zc]

Just anoher reason to get a trade and not go to college.

[@onetwo9792]

Contractors like this make us all look bad

[@franksnowboarder]

The wife should have also been arrested. And blocked from continuing to scam others under a different name

[@rick5653]

That very same thing happened to me with a Belltera hired. He ran off with $40,000. I was finally able to prove it in court but then he filed bankruptcy. I am sorry this happened to you. Karma will catch up with them. God bless.

[@aday1637]

This 'builder' used an old trick that builders use to gain the system and their customers. It always pays to get references from customers with completed projects and even then that doesn't guarantee you. Draws should be set up with specific guidlines where a certain amount of progress must be met prior to getting the next draw. Unpaid subs and labor should be required to sign a lien waiver prior to entrance to your property. If one refuses to sign than you bar them from the property. Tresspass them if necessary. A good, reliable general contractor will do all this for you. And if they will not then you need to find another contractor. I've seen liens placed for non-payment which sets off notice to the mortgage company. That triggers an automatic payment to the lien holder, thereby cancelling the lien and putting the mortgage company back in first place position for any liens they may have to exercise due to non-payment of borrower. If you are not sure, hire an attorney. They may charge you but it's better than having your wife cry about not knowing what you are going to do when things go wrong.

[@alphaomega1351]

Well, just pray 🙏 for the homes 🏡 to be finished. 😶

[@soul2soul399]

Ugh! These poor people 😢

[@DBAllen]

You ought to see the scum bags they left prey on people here in Missouri.

[@vanessawilliams4432]

When u spend money like this, u better get a camper an move in to watch them! Best way is watch where ur money is actually going

[@lfkatzke]

Sad for these folks, but that's why you hire a licensed contractor and check with the state regulator prior to signing a contract. You also never pay for anything up front. Have benchmarks of construction where you pay the contractor upon completion (framing/close in, siding, drywall, cabinets, finish work) and hold back 5% that you agree to pay after completion of the punch list. You also ask - when your benchmark payment is due - for lien releases from the subs. That way there's no $27K surprise lawsuits. He might have been a decent builder, but he appears to be a lousy businessman.

[@dansherwood9851]

Sorry, no contractor worth their salt is starting a job without at least a 5-10% deposit in this market. You’re living in a dream world of at least 25 years ago, not now.

[@lfkatzke]

@@dansherwood9851 The point is that it's all negotiated up front and put into the contract. You want 5%? Okay. Not a nickel more until you hit the first milestone. No customer worth his salt would pay hundreds of thousands of dollars and end up with a shell and multiple liens from subs. That's just pure stupidity. PS: Just had a bunch of work (5 figures) done by a reputable contractor. Didn't give squat up front. Why? Because he was well capitalized and had a legitimate business, not a rusty pickup and a hammer. Want money for materials? Show me a paid invoice/lien release and I'll write you a check before the exhaust from the flatbed leaves the lot. Want 100K up front? Take a flying leap.

[@dansherwood9851]

@@lfkatzke I’ve been a GC for 45 years. There is ALWAYS a deposit up front. Lumber suppliers have homeowners sign a contract with them so they can lien the job if they don’t get payed. Doing your due diligence with checking the contractors license condition and any complaints is imperative and progress payment’s according to the % of the work done is the norm. I find that most folks that get in this position didn’t do their homework, chomped on a price too good to be true and then didn’t pay attention to the amount of work done vs what they are paying for. Then you have the unscrupulous contractors that if you’re paying half attention you can tell they are shady right up front but the deal is so good folks go down the road with them without checking references or licensing and kaboom…these are the kind of results that happen. But very few general contractors or subcontractors will do work, particularly if they are providing materials without a deposit because of how many homeowners walked from jobs or refused to pay after getting the job done. Hire a legit contractor with a good track record with several current references and CHECK them, but to expect to not have to pay deposits in this day and age ain’t happening.

[@SGTJDerek]

There has got to be some kind of relief for the Home Buyer from the Sub Contractor. It's one thing if the Buyer isn't paying but quite another if The General Contractor isn't.

[@isaiahmusa3474]

THIS Is American culture

[@pamcornelius9122]

Definitely. Don’t migrate here.

[@clavitomccoppin]

He should get the gentleman from Essential Crafstman to build it for him... he does a wonderful work.

[@suehofkamp8594]

What a nightmare! I hope he gets a lot of prison time and looses his license for every state.

[@Forevermiraj]

When that reporter went to the home even the dogs got the hell outta there and didn’t want to be on camera 😅😅😅

[@snoodlegirl1794]

So many scammers up here in mountains

[@marinasabat3087]

That happened to us… in the !!!!Past not good! I pray for you All. 🙏🙏🙏

[@Rick-se5qm]

This brings back memories, not good ones. KZbin search Joe Isuzu commercials, that was our GC in disguise. LOL

[@dusty7264]

Licensed contractors build confidence, always check out a contractor’s previous clients and portfolio to see who your dealing with

[@darrell_dee97]

Obviously the punishments and consequences aren't deter this kind of scum. That wife of is needs to be hauled off to jail too. States REALLY need to step up and crush this kind of crime. Make an example out of them so the rest will think 3 times before doing it. All they do is keep moving around and changing their name, rinse and repeat and it goes on and on.

[@LanaUSA212]

You should never ever pay for real estate that is not built yet !

[@tod3msn]

I learned a valuable lesson for $200 which is small potatoes compared to others. I had a feeling this guy was not good but I was eager to get the work done and paid him $200 upfront. He never came back. I realized it was not an expensive lesson because it could have been a lot worse so I let it go and learned not to pay upfront again and to listen to your instincts about people.

[@slcRN1971]

After Hurricane Florence destroyed properties all along Eastern North Carolina, scammers arrived. Our neighbors had a ‘contractor’ approved by their mortgage lenders and only paid (with flood insurance funds) as specific jobs were done, until the expensive kitchen items needed to be bought - - paid him for that and never heard from him again. An attorney they went to, had stacks of other clients who had been scammed and he told them that it was doubtful that that creep would ever be held accountable.

[@hextheripper]

Welcome to America.

[@everythingvideos24]

I wouldn't pay someone else to throw up some 2x4 walls on some concrete.

[@dennythomas8887]

Not everybody has the skills needed to frame a house.

[@everythingvideos24]

@@dennythomas8887 I don't either but that doesn't stop me from learning and watching KZbin videos on how to. Watch a few videos you'll learn real quick.

[@crazyralph6386]

@@dennythomas8887 it’s not rocket science. just make sure everything is flush and level

[@hugh-iu7vo]

That's a bummer

[@StrawBarryB86]

So sad!! Yall use West Construction! Building North GA for 45+yrs. 😊

[@bellad1063]

I love the passing of the hot potato at the start… like a nice nba play lol

[@kenney5454]

Not only the home owner gets ripped off, many hard working guys turned subcontractors will skip all the formalities and go out on a limb for some silver tongue devils' lies

[@Gingerrrrsnapps]

Go to your local building supply store and ask them who they would get to build their house. They know all the tea and who is worth their salt.

[@Carolyn-oy3dt]

We all going through inflation. What in the world?

[@tomkelly3896]

Should lock up some of these shoddy construction crooks in southern az. Its scary what goes on here

[@southendbos]

It’s the state that brought us Marjorie Talyor Greene. What do you expect?

[@dan01_ca42]

touche

[@southendbos]

@@dan01_ca42 She’s a reflection of the people who put her in office. Depraved, sophomoric, and pedestrian. Lowlifes. Know-nothings.

[@timothymorgan2150]

Greed will imprison us all

[@catwoman2596]

Not all...

[@kevinmach730]

Something is wrong with a system that allows a person not only to get screw by a builder, but also have the businesses that the builder didn't pay sue the person who got screwed in the first place.

[@greenearthblueskies8556]

They're going to find some of these scam builders pushing up daises after while

[@madeinusa9394]

Never pay the full amount before the job is finished

[@tudo8412]

That’s right ! Until all the minor damage is done and sign the closing paper. That’s what I do with construction contractors.