Wichita home remodeler to pay $65,000 after failing to finish home project, DA says
A Wichita-based home remodeling business and its owner have entered a judgment to pay $65,000 in restitution and penalties after being accused of violating the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.
The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office investigated Whitetail Remodeling LLC and its owner, Colby Sawyer, after receiving a consumer complaint, a news release from the DA’s office said.
The DA’s Consumer Protection Division alleged that Whitetail and Sawyer failed “to provide a material benefit to consumers when the business failed to issue a refund after failing to complete a home remodeling project,” according to the release.
They also accused Whitetail and Sawyer of failing to obtain necessary permits, not being properly licensed at the time of the contract and failing to disclose that information to consumers, the release added.
Whitetail and Sawyer denied intentionally violating the KCPA and accepted a consent judgment to settle the matter.
The business and Sawyer agreed to pay $35,000 in restitution to consumers and enter a 30-month probationary period with the DA’s Consumer Protection Division, according to the release. They also are liable for $30,000 in civil penalties, investigative expenses and court costs.
“Sawyer promised not to perform or contract for work the business does not have the requisite license or skill to perform,” the DA’s office said. “Future contracts will include proper notices of the three-day right to cancel the transaction for any door-to-door sales.”
Contractors for residential projects are required to be qualified and licensed by the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department, according to the release.