By Dan Starks
A report out says the law makes it easy for building contractors to
take advantage of home owners. North Carolina's public interest
research group is pushing for stricter requirements for contractors
across the state.
One reason why? - Johnny and Rosa Burris.
6NEWS Personal Safety Specialist Dan Starks has their story and a warning.
Rosa Burris has lived in her home for 20 years. In 2002 she and her husband noticed a crack on the outside of the house.
"I said I think we better have someone come out here and get this covered," Rosa Burris said.
After a neighbor referred Ron Pierce Construction they paid him $8,000 to fix the crack.
"I
think they worked on it about a week. They dug all around the house and
said that would eliminate it from cracking anymore,” Rosa Burris said.
But
in less than a year the Burris’ noticed more cracks. Pierce responded
to their first call. "He came out and said oh, it’s just the house
settling. Well, in a couple of months it started cracking more," Rosa
Burris said.
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But the Burris’ say they haven't been able to reach him since.
“Now
he won't respond to the phone calls. I've even sent him an email on his
website. He didn't respond, we haven't heard from him," Rosa Burris
said.
6NEWS
tracked down Pierce. Investigators found him working with a newly
formed construction company in Charlotte. He wouldn't agree talk to on
camera, but told 6NEWS by phone he believes he did the work he was paid
to do and denies having caused the cracks.
He
couldn't recall giving the Burris' a five year warranty on his work,
but they gave 6NEWS a copy of their guarantee. Rosa and her husband
aren't the only ones complaining about Pierce.
“It
is completely incompetent from every homeowner I've spoken with who has
had experiences with him. His work has resulted in further damages to
the home," said Rob Thompson with the North Carolina Public Interest
Research Group.
The
PIRG report names two other cases where customers claim they are out
thousands because of his work. Since 2002, the Better Business Bureau
has gotten five complaints against Pierce Construction. North
Carolina's board for general contractors also suspended his license in
2004. But that doesn't stop him from doing more work.
That's
because North Carolina only requires contractors to have a license if
the project is more than $30,000. So legally, Pierce can still be hired.
“It’s
absolutely ridiculous that he can have his license revoked for gross
incompetence and gross negligence and still legally take on costly
construction jobs," Thompson said.
And
that's a warning for everyone. Even if homeowners get a referral, they
need to do their own research. The law can't always guarantee people
will get the results they expect.
Here
are some other tips for homeowners: Check with the Better Business
Bureau and the Attorney General's office about any complaints.
•Get everything in writing
•Be persistent
•Hire your own inspector and engineer to examine any problems
