LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mary Jo Williams is a five-time cancer survivor, her husband is a veteran. Their future was put on hold in February after they say they hired Alan Barker to paint their bedroom and fix a crack.
"We had plans for him to retire at the end of the year and that's not going to happen now because of this," said Mary Jo.
Mary Jo said he kept asking for more money and demoed their entire room, eventually, they couldn't pay anymore. She said they spent half their life savings to pay the Louisville-based contractor.
Barker was hired in late January, and the couple was charged $3500 for the repairs. Williams and her husband said the job took a turn for the worse as they were charged an additional $10,000 by Barker.
"I was a victim, but he will never do this as long as I have a breath in me, he's not going to hurt someone else," she warns.
Mary Jo said she found Barker through social media.
Barker is facing a felony charge of 'theft by failure to make required disposition of property.'
"Unfortunately there are people out there that do take advantage," said Russell Jones who is the Owner of Executive Home Services.
Jones spends his Saturdays running 'Helping Hands' which does projects for those in need. He's one of a couple of contractors in our community who are now donating their time and what resources they have to help the Williams'.
"I would love to give the world a PSA on the dos and don't of contractors," said Shawn Smith who is also volunteering. Smith found out about what happened to Mary Jo and decided something needed to be done.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends you protect yourself when hiring a contractor, even a reputable one.
Here are three ways to protect yourself:
- You should request references
- Get multiple quotes
- Verify license and insurance
When a contractor asks for cash-only deals, that's a big red flag, BBB said.
Also be careful of high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments and hand-shake deals.
"I would just advise anyone that does any contracting work, do your research. Get on social media, check out their website, ask other people if they've used them," said Jones.
Kentucky does not require contractors to be licensed by the state. But a consumer investigator with the AG’s office says it’s important to look at the businesses BBB rating. As of March 12th, Barker Outdoor Improvements has a 'D+' rating.
Before the charge was filed, WHAS11 tried to reach out to Barker multiple times via email and phone. Barker's lawyer also said they were not going to comment on the matter.
"I would never, ever do business with anyone if there wasn't a contract, proof of insurance, invoices, receipts," said Smith.
While it is important to do your research and be cautious of these signs, Jones pointed out, "Not all of us contractors are horrible, a lot of us do still have great hearts."
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