Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit against a central Ohio home-improvement contractor, accusing the company and its owner of defrauding consumers. The suit was filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court against 1st Choice Renew and its owner, Aaron Cowans.
The lawsuit alleges multiple violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act, including failure to deliver services and providing substandard work. These allegations have resulted in an estimated $119,000 in disputed consumer damages.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve had to take legal action against Mr. Cowans, but I hope it’s the last,” Yost said. “Our goal is to stop him from further taking advantage of Ohioans, regardless of what company name he uses.”
The legal action recounts previous lawsuits against Cowans and his former businesses. In May 2023, the Attorney General’s Office secured a default judgment in Franklin County Common Pleas Court against Cowans and two of his prior companies: 1st Pick Home Improvement and Cowans Home Improvement. Despite this judgment, which barred him from operating as a supplier until satisfying monetary awards, Cowans allegedly continued similar deceptive practices under the new business name 1st Choice Renew.
The Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau have received nine complaints against 1st Choice Renew. These complaints include allegations of incomplete work, substandard construction, and refusal to issue refunds. Some consumers reported that even after full payment was made, work remained unfinished or materials were not delivered.
The lawsuit seeks restitution for affected consumers and an injunction to prevent Cowans from operating any home-improvement business in Ohio.
Yost advises consumers to be cautious when entering into home-improvement contracts and to thoroughly research businesses before making payments.
Consumers who believe they may have been impacted by 1st Choice Renew or Cowans’ previous businesses are encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 1-800-282-0515.