Customers Tell BBB: Metro St. Louis Construction Took Money, Did Little Or No Work

Last spring's hail storm left many homeowners scrambling to find contractors to repair roofs and other parts of their homes. Unfortunately, the Better Business Bureau has heard that several contractors failed to complete the repairs after taking money from homeowners.

Metro St. Louis Construction is the latest firm to draw complaints about work that was substandard, if the company did any work at all on customers' homes. Benjamin Lee Gaddy of Washington, Mo., and Jacob Quick organized the company, according to records with the Missouri secretary of state. The company did not respond to BBB requests for information.

St. Louis County prosecutors charged Gaddy with felony stealing in December for taking more than $6,200 from a St. Ann homeowner to replace her roof, siding and awnings. Other victims are from St. Peters, Maryland Heights and St. Louis. More details about problems with the firm are in today's BBB press release.

The BBB advises consumers to check contractors out carefully before signing a contract or giving a firm any money. Other tips for finding a trustworthy contractor include:

• Confirm that the business is local and has a track record of reliable workmanship. Visit www.bbb.org or call 314-645-3300 for a BBB Business Review, which includes the company’s BBB rating along with the complaint history and company contact information.
• Ask the company for references and call those property owners.
• Ask whether the contractor has all required licenses and insurance.
• Ask for a written contract and read it carefully.
• Do not pay the entire bill in advance. Make sure you are satisfied before paying in full.

For more BBB news, visit the BBB website or follow the BBB on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.