State authorities have filed a lawsuit against a contractor accused of botching renovations, abandoning jobs, and refusing to refund customers.
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The civil action was announced last week by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.
The lawsuit was filed against JC Home & Construction Management LLC, and owner Julian Caldwell. The suit was filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas by Senior Deputy Attorney General James Wise.
The company worked in Philadelphia and its suburban counties, according to the filing.
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Authorities allege the business violated both the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act by walking away from unfinished projects, delivering shoddy craftsmanship, and turning away customers who requested their money back.
State records indicate the company operated under several alternative business names, including JC Home Repair, JC Construction, JC Home Improvement, and JC Home and Construction.
Prosecutors are asking the court to issue a permanent injunction barring Caldwell and his company from running or registering any home improvement business in the commonwealth. The state is also pursuing restitution for impacted customers, civil fines, and reimbursement for the commonwealth’s investigation and legal fees.
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“Pennsylvanians who pay for home improvements deserve quality work and honest business practices – not unfinished projects and a cold shoulder when they seek refunds,” Sunday said in a statement. “Contractors doing business in Pennsylvania must follow our laws and will be held accountable when they fail to deliver on their promises to consumers.”
Residents who hired Caldwell or his firm and believe they were misled are advised by the attorney general to submit a formal complaint to be included in potential restitution claims.
Consumers can submit reports online, call the state hotline at 1-800-441-2555, or email consumers@attorneygeneral.gov.
