15300 Pearl Road, Suite 130, Strongsville, Ohio 44136
HOME REPAIR LAW
Home Remodels, Repairs and Improvements - - Consumer Protections for Homeowners
If you are a homeowner who is unhappy with the poor quality of work performed by a contractor, or you believe that you were treated unfairly or taken advantage of by a contractor, you can avail yourself of certain Ohio laws that protect consumers of household goods and services.
The Ohio Consumer Sales Protection Act (“CSPA”) codified in Ohio Revised Code §1345.01 et seq., is a set of laws that aim to protect consumers from sales practices that are unfair, deceptive or unconscionable. The CSPA applies to residential construction projects including, but not limited to, repair or replacement of roofing, windows, siding, fences, driveways, interior remodeling, patio and deck installations, HVAC repairs and just about any work a contractor is hired to perform at your residence.
The Ohio Home Solicitation Sales Act (“HSSA”) codified in Ohio Revised Code §1345.21, is a subdivision of the CSPA which protects consumers from certain types of high pressure door to door sales. The HSSA protections include the sale of consumer goods and services in which the supplier or contractor engages in a personal solicitation outside of their place of business, including a solicitation made in response to an invitation by the consumer or homeowner.
Noncompliance by a contractor with the provisions of the CSPA and HSSA constitute unfair, deceptive and unconscionable sales practices subjecting the contractor to significant penalties. Penalties include an award of triple damages under the CSPA, possible reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees and court costs, and up to $5,000 in non-economic damages.
A fair amount of home construction repair and remodeling is performed by contractors who cut corners. Poor workmanship often leads to bigger problems. If you believe that a contractor misled you or took advantage or you, or the work performed was not fully completed or was performed in a sloppy manner, then you should avail yourself of the protections in the CSPA and HSSA. Contact my office today for a free evaluation of your claim.
