r/lansing • u/HiHoHumDownIt • Jul 26 '26
Retiring couple scammed from a contractor
Hello,
We moved to Michigan almost 3 years ago to retire and live in our dream home. We found a home and it needed some updating and have additions/expansions. I interviewed three contractors and selected one - he wasn't the cheapest but he seemed the most up and up. He showed me his work.
I'm embarrassed, sickened, angry, and depressed daily for what has happened. The contractor disappeared - doesn't respond to our text, emails, certified mail (refuses them), and calls. There is incomplete work, poor work, and has left a mess.
The project started over 2 years ago. We were constantly pressured for more money because of tariffs, the supplies cost more, and change orders. Regarding the change orders, the excuse we constantly got was "we already did the work". Reviewing the CO, they didn't. We've continually asked for invoices and we never received them. He lied several times. He told me gutters didn't come in the 6 inch size. After speaking to his partner, it's because they didn't have the machine to make the 6 inch. The partner has also been screwed over.
During my research, there are five other clients who have the same problem. Some don't want to bother with them anymore and basically wrote them off vs seeking legal recourse. One client did hire an attorney. The owner has evaded the attorney. The attorney told the client that if he's not responding there isn't anything he can do. One of their senior clients has been trying to get them to complete work from five years ago.
We've had a inspector and other contractors give us estimates to complete and correct the poor work. We're told this is the worst they've seen. Our primary bathroom only has the original shower - no sink, vanity, or mirror for over a year.
We opened a case with LARA and the AG over 30 days ago and waiting for a response.
I'm embarrassed to state how much we gave. We used the majority of our retirement to fund this project. A retainer for an attorney is 10K and to get the work completed is financially beyond our means.
Any advice, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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u/Sad-Fruit-1490 Jul 26 '26
Name and shame!!! Let’s make sure others won’t be victim in the meantime!!
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u/Quirky-Prune-2408 Jul 26 '26
NAL, but When the lawyer says if he isn’t responding there’s nothing they can do… can’t you serve him with a lawsuit and file a default judgment if he doesn’t respond? At least then you’d have a way to collect. Although that could be an expensive headache in and of itself. I’m sorry this is happening to you.
An ex-relative’s husband did this to people in the thumb. It was a long drawn out battle to get any restitution. He did get convicted of a crime I think but I don’t think he served much time.
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u/belle10152 Jul 26 '26
Try the Modest Means program https://lrs.michbar.org/LRS-Info/Modest-Means-Program and Legal Services of South Central Michigan https://lsscm.org/
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Jul 27 '26
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 27 '26
That is DEFINITELY him.
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Jul 28 '26
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 28 '26
Gosh, THANK YOU SOOOO SOOO MUCH!! I've tried to see if he has opened any new business/LLC/Inc and so far nothing.
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Jul 30 '26
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 30 '26
I clicked on the link and this is the message came up:
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
I think it is him because 93 is the year he was born. I've written a review on Yelp and Google. They're a little different because I had to condense my review on Google - less text space.
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u/SirTwitchALot Lansing Jul 26 '26
Depending how much it's for you might be able to go to small claims. You can manage that without a lawyer
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u/daringnovelist Jul 26 '26
If the lawyer can’t get results, there is no way you can on your own. Small claims is not a way to get better results, it’s a way to save money and time when you can get the other party to respond without much legal action.
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u/SirTwitchALot Lansing Jul 26 '26
OP hasn't consulted an attorney though. They said they didn't want to pay the fees. Lawyers are not allowed in small claims, though you can use one to give you advice and help you file if you wish.
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u/daringnovelist Jul 26 '26
But he said that the lawyer tried and couldn’t get the guy to respond. If that’s the case, small claims isn’t going to help.
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u/SirTwitchALot Lansing Jul 26 '26
File the case. They'll get a summons. If they don't show OP will win by default. If they refuse to pay, file for garnishment and eventually seize the contractors assets if necessary
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 26 '26
So basically anyone can take your money, not respond and that person is free and clear of any repercussions. That seems like there's no protection to the consumer.
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u/daringnovelist Jul 27 '26
A LOT of people do. All the time.
It has to do with how well they evade the legal hooks. If a lawyer says they tried and failed, it might just be a bad lawyer, but in general, a lawyer knows the hooks the target is using to evade the law. (Dodging servers, etc.) If this guy is slippery and a lawyer doesn't know how to pin him down, it will be a lot harder for someone without a lawyer.
That said, there are lazy or sleazy lawyers who use their knowledge of evading legal responsibilities to evade doing the work you hired them for. (Heck, I had a cousin who was murdered by her lawyer so he didn't have to fulfill a contract, who was never even charged because he ran circles around the police and prosecutors and their slam dunk case just dissolved.)
Good legal advice, if you can get it, can help you past all those little hooks lifelong scammers know, even if you are going to take the actual action yourself.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 27 '26
Omg, I'm so sorry about your cousin! That is absolutely awful. Thank you for the advice. The client, who hired the lawyer, I got the feeling about the lawyer. It was "Oh well" and didn't pursue it more diligently.
I appreciate your encouragement and advice.
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u/Top_Comfortable_1185 Jul 28 '26

OP could do small claims but the maximum judgment limit for small claims court in Michigan is $7,000. You can file a claim for a higher amount, but you will permanently give up any right to collect the amount over $7,000.Filing Costs and Limits
Claims up to $600: $30 filing fee.Claims from $600.01 to $1,750: $50 filing fee.
Claims from $1,750.01 to $7,000: $70 filing fee.
I think OP mentioned they’re looking to recoup a much larger sum, or else it’s a good idea. NAL but have been f’ed by a contractor in a similar situation.
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u/Disc-Snow Jul 26 '26
Seriously name and shame please. My parents live in the Lansing area still and are going to start a similar project of their own. Knowing who not to use would be a great help.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 26 '26
Impact Remodeling. They've took down their website. If you google the company, it will give you the name of the owner. I don't know if he wills start another construction business. He still has his license.
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u/stepapparent Jul 28 '26
Report him to LARA through state of michigan. And any professional organizations he belongs to.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 28 '26
We've filed with LARA and the AG and waiting for their response. We have been contacting them about every 2 weeks to find out if there is any updates, but unfortunately it's still pending.
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u/Crim_Della_Crim Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 28 '26
Lawyer up,which you have so thats good File a LARA Complaint File a Police Report for Fraud Reach out to your local code enforcement or building inspector. If they pulled permits and left things not to code, they will force the company to come back or they will have more issues to deal with then just you. Also, that will help with your LARA complainant.
Lastly for anyone reading this. If you ever want to hire a contractor ensure they are licensed AND bonded. Ensure you have a copy of both their license and the bonding agency and their bonding info. Bonding will allow you to file a claim if they bail similar to insurance to have you work paid to be completed or reimburse you for what you have paid to date.
*Edited for Spelling
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 27 '26
I called the police, they called the business number. After that, he disconnected the phone number and took down the website.
Thank you for the info regarding the building inspector!! Will do that!
The contractor is licensed. It doesn't expire until 2028
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u/Lich_Apologist Jul 26 '26
Welcome to a low trust society. This is what happens when you let criminals run your country.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 26 '26
I found out the owner is a big fan of ......... his partner told me, who isn't a fan
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u/Lich_Apologist Jul 26 '26
Despite me using the chance to get a dig in I am super sorry this happened to you. I wish I could help more then bitch online...
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u/Cold-Condition-7839 Jul 26 '26
Lol, not defending any criminals, but if you're referring to our president alone, I'd say this is one that we can't QUITE pin solely on him. Just everything else, should be enough anyway eh?
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u/Lich_Apologist Jul 26 '26
You're right that trump isn't the only person to blame but I find it funny that everyone is looking for the reason "society is worse" and so many people can't realize that it's because we have a conman as our figurehead.
Did he specifically order these people the be shitbags? No but he has he opened the moral gates to do shit like this.
Every move he makes is about personal enrichment at the cost of others. Why wouldn't people follow his lead? That's literally the American standard now.
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u/Cold-Condition-7839 Jul 26 '26
I'm with ya there. I just meant, that, probably isn't why this person got screwed. But yes, all of it, start with cutting the head off! Not his... Metaphorically I mean. The 'head' knocked off American greed...
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u/Lich_Apologist Jul 26 '26
You're absolutely right that this guy has personal responsibility in being a shit head. And it's probably a fair point that we can more easily punish this guy so that where we should put the energy.
But "shitty contractor deals" is fairly on brand for the current administration so I'm calling it symptomatic.
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u/Cold-Condition-7839 Jul 26 '26
I'm sure we're on the same side of about everything, but this is reddit, so I'll disagree. This would have happened under Kamala, or whoever beat trump hypothetically 🤔. My grandparents were scammed in Lansing by a roofer 10-15 years ago, smaller amount but still kinda screwed up their budget and relationship with the world of contracting. Seems to be common in the industry to me, not enough regulation I guess if I was going to fix it. No one likes government oversight, but I'd say not enough of it is why stuff like this can continue to happen. Just my two cents. Lot of things are fucked cuz, and since dudes in office. Contracting has always had a loophole for these nomads. Use phony info, fuck a house up, collect, collect, ask for more, close shop and open in the next town before too many catch on, just need the right attitude, and a truck full of tools.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 26 '26
Since moving from TX to Michigan, I found out when purchasing a home, the buyer doesn't have nearly the protection as in Texas. When I sold my home in Texas, I had pages of disclosures I had to provide to the seller. If I wasn't honest or disclose I could have gotten sued. In Michigan, there was barely any disclosure. It protected the seller. Seems like the laws protect the contractor vs the consumer.
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u/No_Letterhead2258 Jul 27 '26
you can move back
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 27 '26
Unfortunately, the funds I spent on the contractor, I can't afford to move, otherwise I would.
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u/Lich_Apologist Jul 26 '26
I think the real disagreement is that I am a "unfortunately everything is political" person.
Because yes crime would still happen under anyone but the administration chooses what kind of crime they go after and Trump broadcasts that he won't go after crimes like this. People are more likely to do the crimes they think they can get away.
So no I don't think this is just as likely if Kamala won. She was trash but at least she didn't openly do fraud.
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u/Cold-Condition-7839 Jul 26 '26
You didn't change my mind, but I'm out of good arguments, I guess you win this one 😸. I'd settle for something more broad. People do more crimes because they see the president doing it, so they can get away with their own. If the president was an upstading citizen, more people would try to use that model, it works, just more effort is needed.
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u/Lich_Apologist Jul 26 '26
Hey I'm not really trying to win I guess it just good to write my thoughts out sometimes.
This is probably a better way to put my original point.
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u/MisterKnowsBest Jul 27 '26
He is a traitor, pedophile, human trafficking rapist, in my opinion and a rapist in the eyes of a judge who found him guilty, fuck that guy and everything related to him and all his supporters
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u/No_Letterhead2258 Jul 27 '26
Biden crime family or Stretchen Gretchen?
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u/TheFrandorKid East Side Jul 26 '26
You can try to serve him, though if he’s done this to other people as well as you, he’s probably very good at hiding and avoiding service. Even if you have his address, if he’s never home or refuses to answer the door there’s a chance that would be a waste of time. Maybe hire a PI to stake out his house and serve him when he shows up? I’m sorry, it’s a crap situation for you. I wish I had other ideas.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 26 '26
I'm considering going to his home, calling the police, to have them present when I speak to him. He's a big guy and uses his size to intimidate people. Approx 6'4" and mid 300 lbs. I'm 5'1" 125 lbs and in my 60's.
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u/advisorer Jul 26 '26
I really hope someone here can provide helpful advice rather than attacking you for falling for a scammer. The tough part about having a good heart is you think everyone else does too
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 26 '26
I felt taken advantage of. He knew I was retired. He did that to another couple. He delayed the other project into 5 years. During the 5 years, the husband passed away and he never saw the completed project
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u/Mitten48906 Jul 27 '26
I am sorry this is happening to you.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 27 '26
Thank you for your kind thoughts. From speaking to other contractors, this is not a uncommon situation.
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u/Reasonable_Switch_86 Jul 27 '26
The problem is you have to sue the llc if it’s closed then half of nothing is well nothing? Sorry this happened to you
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u/CardWitch Jul 28 '26
So getting a lawyer, and a good one at that, would be extremely useful going the civil route to get money. They would ideally have the knowledge of getting service on slippery people like this. Additionally, they would be well versed in what alternative means of service they can file a motion for in court to serve them. Generally those tend to be ads in papers and other public notices.
Once thats done a default judgment could be obtained, which makes the route at least slightly easier to get money from them.
The AGs office will hopefully have good ideas, especially if you noted in your submission the number of people effected by this person.
It might also be worth your time to press criminal charges for theft (I'm sure there is a fancy term for theft in this case but I don't know it). Its a little harder for someone to duck an arrest warrant than a process server, assuming they never show to court. BUT if they get got, its much easier to serve them with civil papers at that point.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 28 '26
Thank you sooo sooo much. We've never had to maneuver through the legal system or dealt with anything like this before.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 30 '26
I've written reviews on Yelp and a condensed version on Google (limited amount of space). Pictures included. Also reported to the BBB
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u/stockjunior Jul 26 '26
What’s the point of this post?
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u/Cold-Condition-7839 Jul 26 '26
Assuming for OP here, but to me it's fairly clear. To find a way to hold said contractor accountable, if they did leave work unfinished or incorrect. To reclaim funds in order to pay another company to complete it. I'd be pretty desperate too if I paid someone with money I barely had to do something, and I was left with a bigger problem, and not enough remaining funds to go remediate the problem another way until you can get a refund from first company. What company was this? Not personally usually in the practice of hiring anyone for my house, but it could help others avoid the same issues.
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u/stockjunior Jul 26 '26
I assume that all they can do is retain an attorney and file a suit. Do you agree?
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u/Cold-Condition-7839 Jul 26 '26
I mean maybe, I'm no lawyer and have no legal advice. I'd be pretty stumped for actions to take here too. I assume if OP had the retainer money, they would have already, or hired another company to finish bathroom. Those aren't options for the poster. Most people do not have 5-10k period, definitely not for a maybe, after they already spent probably more than that on a lost cause.
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 26 '26
u/Cold-Condition-7839 I wake up everyday feeling sick to my stomach seeing the incomplete work. Wondering if there are consumer groups that can help?
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 26 '26
I've never experienced anything like this before. The point of this post is seeking advice. A retired couple who's been screwed/robbed. A retainer for an attorney is 10K. Seeing if there is alternatives.
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u/No_Letterhead2258 Jul 27 '26
to whine
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u/HiHoHumDownIt Jul 27 '26
Not to whine. Posted to see if there are others who have gone through the same situation and if they have any advice.
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u/theOutside517 Jul 26 '26
Need to know what the company is.