Attorney General Mike DeWine
DeWine Seeks Consumer Restitution from Storm-Chasing Columbus Roofer 

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today filed a lawsuit charging Restore It USA, LLC and its owner James Twaddle with multiple violations of Ohio's consumer laws. According to the lawsuit, the business targeted consumers whose homes were damaged by storms but failed to deliver promised services.

"Businesses are required by law to fulfill their promises to consumers," Attorney General DeWine said. "When they don't, we will take action." 

Restore It USA is located at 1323 Brice Road in Reynoldsburg. It used a website called HailWatch to locate storm-ravaged counties and then solicited consumers at their homes, requesting their insurance money in exchange for new roofs. 

According to the lawsuit, the business often failed to complete the promised work or to provide a refund, and it routinely failed to return consumers' phone calls. It also entered into transactions knowing it did not have enough funds to complete contracted jobs. 

The Attorney General's Office is aware of 28 complaints against the business from Ohio consumers, whose losses total more than $65,000. Additional consumers likely have been affected. 

The lawsuit charges the business with multiple violations of Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act. In the lawsuit, Attorney General DeWine seeks consumer restitution, civil penalties, and injunctive relief. 

Consumers can protect themselves by taking the following steps: 

• Check contractors' reputations with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau.

• Be skeptical of businesses that show up to your door unexpectedly. You have a three-day right to cancel most door-to-door sales, and businesses must give you written notice of your right to cancel.

• Get written estimates from several contractors before making a final decision.

• Get all promises in writing. Make sure the written contract includes the start date and end date and an itemized list of all costs and services.

• Be wary if the contract requires a large down payment, such as half of the total cost, or requires you to sign over your insurance check. 

Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly in a home improvement transaction, or any consumer transaction, should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov. 

A copy of the lawsuit is available on the Ohio Attorney General's website.