Eyewitness News Anchor and Consumer Advocate Reporter Andrea Morehead has a warning for anyone thinking about hiring a contractor for home repairs. Two victims share their story of loss to prevent you from someone taking advantage of your hard earned money.
"Makes you think he's the most wonderful man in the world," said Belva McMann.
"Last time I talked with him, I said I will either try to see that you're put out of business or put in jail," said Roland Spinks.
Two families are caught in the middle of a roofing construction mess they say was caused by one man - Bryan Webb. His roofing business, Easy Claim, was recommended to McMann by a family friend.
"He told me that he was really the most honest man he had ever seen," she said.
McMann agreed to let Easy Claim repair the roof, gutters and siding on her southwest Indianapolis home. In return, the contract says Easy Claim agrees to perform all work in a professional and timely manner not to exceed 45 days. But McMann says the battle with Webb has been going on for over a year.
"He says, 'If you give me time, I'll get it done. I'll never leave you without your roof'," McMann said.
Her son-in-law showed Eyewitness News what he says Webb left as a huge mess.
"Probably the worst is in the back. Raccoons, moisture, water, rain, no roof vent. The roof has two different colors of shingles and it's not completed," said Mike Watkins.
It's the same story seven miles away. One side of the roof is brown, the other slate gray. Only half of the work is done.
"He was supposed to replace the gutters," Spinks said.
He says a May 2011 storm caused hail damage and Webb was going door-to-door in his neighborhood, soliciting his roofing services.
"If I had listened to my wife, I probably wouldn't be in this mess. She told me when she first saw him not to fool with him," Spinks said.
Spinks and his wife paid Easy Claim, over a period of months, with personal checks totaling $4,400.
"Just as quick as he got it, he went into my bank and got them cashed," Spinks said.
He was left with shingles, debris and a lot of excuses from Webb - for almost a year - as to why he wouldn't show up.
"One time, he told me he broke the axle on his truck. One time, the guy said somebody had stole some $14,000 off him," Spinks said.
The last time Spinks saw Webb was in a picture he snapped. He wanted photo evidence of the man who he says never finished the job.
"In case I needed to find out where he lives and stuff, I would...might be able to see the license plate on his truck," Spinks said.
Along with all of the paperwork, the picture is part of the evidence Spinks sent to Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller.
"We try to encourage people to come back and do the work, so we can resolve it amicably," said Zoeller.
Zoeller is now working on behalf of Spinks and McMann. The two open cases against Easy Claim could potentially help change state law.
"Over the years, I've really pressed the legislature to increase the requirement of bonding to protect consumers and it's something I've argued every year," Zoeller said.
While the state does not require roofers to be licensed, bonded or insured, some local municipalities and counties do. It's up to you to do your homework.
Angie's List founder Angie Hicks says her company can help you find the best of the best.
"You still want to get three estimates, you want to make sure you're getting things in writing," Hicks said. "And I always encourage people go with your gut instinct, too."
"If I had listened to my wife, I probably wouldn't be in this mess. She told me when she first saw him, not to fool with him," said Spinks.
"If something does go wrong in the project, you want to be able to follow up, but it's hard to follow up with a P.O. box," Hicks said.
Webb listed a street address for his Easy Claim business on McMann's $14,000 estimate. Eyewitness News wanted to find Webb and ask him about the unfinished work on McMann and Spinks' homes.
We went to the home on McMann's contract, but the current renter said Webb moved out about a month ago. It didn't take long before we found out more right across the street. A neighbor already suspected why we were there.
"He wanted to put one on my house. I called the insurance company, they told me I didn't need no roof. If he's ripping people off, he needs to get caught," the neighbor said.
Eyewitness News called the phone number listed for Easy Claim with both the Better Business Bureau and on both victims' estimates.
A man who said he was not Webb said, "I don't work with him, I just know him. But he'll be out of town for a couple of months."
The man also said Webb is in Henryville and Missouri, working on roofs for recent tornado victims. Asked if the number we called is his business, the man replies, "No. It's not his. It's not his number."
Six phone calls to the number listed on the estimates given to McMann and Spinks have come up empty over more than a month. We're told Webb is still in southern Indiana, but his business partner, Brandon did speak with us.
"You can understand people are upset when you say you're going to do a job and you don't complete it. It's been over a year, yet you have their money. What is your response to that?" Eyewitness News anchor Andrea Morehead asked.
"Here's what I'm gonna do for you. I'm gonna order her shingles right now for her and her shingles will be to the house before Wednesday," Brandon said.
"All of it will be fixed?" Morehead asked.
"I promise you," Brandon said.
"Are you going to complete the job for Mr. Spinks?" we asked.
"Yes, I will complete the job for Mr. Spinks," said Brandon.
Angie's List hiring tips: Roofing contractors
· Do your homework: Don't just grab a name from an ad, or the phone book. Do your research on Angie's List and other sites. Talk to friends and family to determine if the company is a local, honest, and knowledgeable roofer.
· Never hire on price alone: Get at least three written estimates from contractors to adequately compare costs.
· Don't pay too much down: Never pay in cash or the full cost up front.
· Hire local: Your roof should last up to 20 years. Hire someone with a local address and phone number who you can contact should you have issues with your roof down the road.
· Are you licensed? Indiana does not have statewide licensing requirements, however your city or county may. Check with your local government center to determine your local trade licensing requirements.
· Are you insured? Ask for proof of workers' compensation and insurance and call the insurer to verify the company is still covered.
· Read the contract: Fully read and understand the contract before you sign it. The contract should included costs, payment terms, start date/expected end date, job description, and the materials to be used, including manufacturer's name and length of warranty.
Beware of Red Flags
· Contractors who are offended when asked for references or those who can't supply them.
· High pressure sales tactics or demands for an immediate hire.
· Requests for cash payment or large, up front payments.
· Strangers who show up at your door – especially after a storm – who offer quick, cheap help for on-the-spot, cash payment.
Related Links
Angie's List
Indy Builders Association
