OHIO AG Charges Waterproofing Company With Multiple Counts of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act

DeWine Charges Euclid Basement-Waterproofing Seller with Failure to Deliver

12/21/2012

(CLEVELAND, Ohio) – Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against William J. Zele doing business as Above All Basement Waterproofing, Right Choice Roofing, and Zele Basement Waterproofing. The lawsuit charges Zele with multiple violations of Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act.

"We will continue to go after businesses and individuals that take advantage of consumers," DeWine said. "We also remind consumers to research businesses carefully before making any payments."

Through his businesses, Zele offered various home improvement services, including basement waterproofing, roofing, and landscaping. According to the Attorney General, on at least four occasions Zele accepted money from a consumer but failed to deliver any materials or services and failed to refund the consumer's money. In other instances, he failed to honor warranties or he began work without obtaining a necessary permit.

The lawsuit, filed in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, charges Zele with failure to deliver, performing shoddy work, failing to honor express warranties, and failing to obtain a contractor's license. The Attorney General seeks consumer restitution, a permanent injunction, and civil penalties.

DeWine offered consumers the following tips for selecting a home improvement contractor:

Check a business' reputation with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau before making any payments.
Ask family and friends for the names of recommended contractors. Don't rely solely on information you find in ads. Talk to past customers of the contractor.
Be skeptical of contractors that come to your door unexpectedly, even if they appear to be professional. Many home improvement scams begin with a home visit.
Take time to read the contract. Make sure all details, such as payment, cancellation rights, and start and end dates, are put in writing.

Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly in any consumer transaction should contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office at 800-282-0515 orwww.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.