The Better Business Bureau of Akron is warning consumers to avoid a specific contractor after receiving five complaints over two years that roof and window repair work was not completed.
The BBB has given All Weather Contracting LLC of Kent an "F" rating.
"We're finding that they're not ethical, not a trustworthy business and it's our way of letting consumers know that they do not want to do business with someone with an F rating," said Kim Hoch from the agency.
In November of last year, strong winds damaged Eric Channell's home in Sagamore Hills.
"Some significant damage to my roof, shingles blown off," Channell said.
About a month later, Channell hired Jeff Tessman, the owner of All Weather Contracting, who shared his credentials and explained how he would fix the roof.
Channell gave Tessman the money he received from his insurance company, a total of $4867.80.
"I was told all we needed was three days of good weather and the work would be done. I'd be the first on the list," Channell told News 5.
However, months passed and no roof repairs were made.
Last June, Channell took time away from work after he was promised the work would start, but only excuses followed and Tessman stopped returning messages six months ago.
"I'm out $4,900, almost $5,000, and I still don't have the roof repaired," Channell said.
Hoch said the BBB has tried to reach Tessman multiple times to get his side of the story, but he hasn't responded.
"We would definitely categorize this as general contractor fraud," Hoch said. "We're very concerned about it just because of the unethical nature in which the business is conducting the business."
News 5 discovered Tessman also has an active arrest warrant for theft out of Barberton Municipal Court.
In that case, a Clinton resident claims he paid Tessman $588 to replace two windows at his home, but the work has not started.
Hoch said consumers should check the BBB's website to make sure contractors are accredited and get three to five estimates.
"Ask for references. Of those references, you're going to want to ask questions like, was the work done timely? Was it of good quality? Was the contractor easy to get a hold of?"
Hoch also advises paying with a credit card instead of cash so that consumer protection is built into the transaction.
"The most important thing is never pay in full up front. You want to make sure that you are arranging a payment schedule so that the final payment is not due until the actual work is completed.
In the meantime, Channell is bracing for the possibility of another winter without his roof fixed while considering his next move.
"I guess the next step is a police report as well," he said. "I'm definitely considering it."
Messages left for Tessman by News 5 were not returned.
