Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has initiated legal action against a company based in Baltimore, Ohio, and its owner, accusing them of defrauding homeowners out of nearly $12,000. The lawsuit was filed in the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas against Dwight W. Artrip, a resident of Lancaster, and his company, The Painting Co. Inc., also known as TPC or The Preferred Contractor.
The allegations suggest multiple violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Home Solicitation Sales Act. "Ohioans deserve contractors who show up, follow through and do the job right — not one who provides an endless cycle of excuses, delays and disappearing acts," stated Yost.
The Attorney General's Office reported receiving at least 12 complaints regarding the company's practices and additional reports from the Better Business Bureau. Consumers have reportedly lost a total of $11,900 due to incomplete or substandard remodeling services.
Despite its name suggesting otherwise, The Painting Co. primarily functioned as a home-improvement contractor specializing in residential kitchen and bathroom projects rather than focusing on painting.
The lawsuit outlines several misconduct claims against Artrip:
- Accepting significant advance payments but delaying or failing to perform work.
- Demanding further payments without completing contracted tasks.
- Delivering subpar improvements.
- Misleading consumers about refund statuses.
- Not informing consumers about their contract cancellation rights under Ohio law.
Yost is seeking restitution for affected consumers alongside civil penalties and injunctive relief through this lawsuit.
He advises Ohio residents to conduct thorough research before hiring contractors by obtaining written estimates and contracts while confirming their cancellation rights. Those suspecting fraudulent activity by home-improvement contractors should file complaints with the Attorney General’s Office via www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or call 800-282-0515.