Latrobe Woman Says She Was Pressured By Roofer

May 12, 2011 11:57 PM

(Credit: KDKA)

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LATROBE (KDKA) — A Westmoreland County attorney says he’s been contacted by three elderly homeowners who feel they have been pressured by a home improvement company based in Ohio.

Jason Huska, of Latrobe, says the documents the homeowners have signed are confusing and people feel they are being intimidated.

Linda Barney, of Latrobe, sustained serious damage to her roof as a result of high winds and hail. She was outside her house after the storms surveying the damage when she was approached by a man who said he could fix her roof for about $7,700.

However, he later said he needed $4,700 up front for materials and other items. Furthermore, the contractor, Paul Harris, warned that if she wanted to back out of the contract early, it would cost her $2,000.

Huska thinks the paperwork Barney signed was not a legal and binding contract at all. Huska told KDKA-TV that the homeowners he’s talked to believe they’re being taken advantage of.

The Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania says in the past month it’s received about a thousand inquiries related to storm damage in Westmoreland County.

A BBB spokeswoman says a lot of the complaints involve contractors pretending to be local companies, when they’re, in fact, based in other states.

Latrobe Woman Says She Was Pressured By Roofer

Harry Eugene Stine

SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THESE OUTSIDE COMPANIES. THEY ARE GOING TO LOCAL PRINT SHOPS LIKE FEDEX /KINKO’S MAKING HANDOUTS, ECT, AND APPROACHING HOMEOWNERS. i SAW 3 COMPANY’S IN MY SMALL TOWN THIS WEEK, MANY HAVE LOCAL NUMBERS ON THERE VEHICLES BUT YET ALL OUT OF STATE TRUCKS AND PLATES ON THEM. AND IF YOU CALL THE NUMBERS TO ASK IF THEY HAVE A LICENSE OR PERMIT IN PA, THEY HANG UP ON YOU.

TryThis

http://knol.google.com/k/how-to-correctly-use-the-shift-and-caps-lock-keys#

H. Morgan

Please Be careful of the out of stators, this is a real problem around here, they are what some people like to call storm chasers, Make sure you always look at the plates on there cars and trucks, not what the number is on the trucks, also in a few mnts they will be gone, then what happeneds if u have a problem, Not only are they taking business away from local good companies and people but they are charging a lot of money for a simple repair, also they tell you that your home insurance will pay for however when you sign the contract and they start the work and then your insurance don’t pay for it then you are responsible to pay, Its ridiculous and don’t fall for it! WE need the guys out of here!

LT

Stators? Happeneds?

JDB

Talk with your local insurance agent as well – they have restoration companies contacting them throughout the year – they will know who is local, who performs good work etc. That is what your agent is for – you pay not just for your policy but also their advice.
AvaGrace

I honestly thought this was a story about the Gileese company I am shocked that there are more con artists out there taking atvantage of elderly people. Linda Barney is not as old and stupid as they thought she was.

LT

Gileese? Atvantage?

2059

Why do people keep falling for these scams? There are plenty of honest local contractors that will do the work and be there if a problem arises. The thing that keeps these crooks going is the property owners get the insurance check and figure that they’ll have some spend money if the job is done cheaper. If you’re satisfied with oats that have been through the Horse, go for it, but don’t whine later.
Drip drip

Gillese plumbing does the exact same thing but the TV stations can’t do stories that would stop the money from flooding their pockets
andra

I’ve seen his truck around town here in Greensburg, and was surprised to see his New York license plate since the decals on the vehicle have a local number on it. The address he is using is a building in town that’s been for sale for several years, and I don’t believe has been occupied in some time.

The other storm damage business vehicle I saw in Greensburg had a North Carolina plate. It really is a shame that these people are taking advantage of the victims of the storms we had.
Miz

What exactly does that have to do with the story?
Miz

Anyway, I feel that our state should not allow outside contractors to work here. Unless they get a permit from the state. Those who ignore the rule, and work with out a permit should lose their tools, trucks, and anything else they have with them to sell. This way the victims can be paid back what they lost. Its a shame that there will always be those that take advantage of someones misery. Alas, until we have harsher laws, things like this will continue.
Hosed

My $99 sewer cleaning cost me 12Grand
Sonnytree

It is a state law all contractors need a license #. BefOre you hire anyone, make sure they have a license and proof of insurance. Take a few minutes to call the Atty General and to call their insurance co to verify its valid & up to date .It is also illegal for any contractor to ask for money upfront….If you dont take the time to do this, its your own fault for not doing your due diligence..

I AM A LICENSED REGISTERD CONTRACTOR…….
Hear the Truth

I had my home repaired by Paul Harris Insurance Restoration Group and they did an excellent job. They have a PA license and they have insurance. They are from Youngstown, Ohio and are just as local as most other companies. Before you bash someone and try and give them a bad name, maybe you should do real research instead of listening to one womans story. The news is never correct.

bobbyjo

you forgot to sign your name, Mrs. harris

Hear the Truth

No, I”m not Mrs. Harris. This company has been around a long time. Trust me, I did my research.
LT

Before you idiots post a comment at least learn how to spell
A bunch of morons who believe anything the news station tells them.
Morons!
g

these kind of people come to my neighborhood all the time. i just tell them like it is. i usually say. get the bleep of my porch. if i need something i’ll call somebody.
JLG

It is a shame when people are misinterpreted, Your insurance company will pay you to repair the damages , Please check all companies before you sing a contract but do reaserch before you bach any company . paul Harris Insurance Restauration group has more than 20 years in business and are fully licensed and inssured . Please research good and whats better than your secretary of state business division to verify legallity . Thanks God Bless you!!
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Great post. Cheers.