N.J. Family Scammed by Roofing Company: Contract Not Honored for Three Years

Unfulfilled Roofing Contract

• 🏠 A New Jersey family hired a contractor, Home Repair LLC, to replace their roof in 2022, but the work has not yet begun, three years later.
• ⏳ Initial delays were attributed to waiting for materials, incorrect color choices, and weather issues.
• 📞 When the family attempted to follow up, the company allegedly stopped taking calls and became unresponsive.

Contractor's Demands and Evasion

• 💰 The contractor requested the family pay the full amount upfront, offering to start work within two weeks if they took out a loan.
• 🚫 The family refused this option, seeking either completion of the work or a refund.
• 🏢 State records indicate the company has no active license, and its listed address was a PO box that is now closed.

Owner Arrested for Fraud

• 👤 The owner of Home Repair LLC, James Silva, was arrested in September for fraud and theft.
• 💸 Police allege Silva took over $140,000 from five families without completing contracted work.
• ⚖️ Silva's attorney maintains his client's innocence, and the case is scheduled for a pre-trial conference.

Homeowner's Insurance and Next Steps

• ⚠️ A licensed insurance broker warns that homeowners have a duty to mitigate further damage promptly, or insurance coverage could be affected.
• 💸 The Chavez family's insurance company will not cover the loss but may reimburse them for the cost of a new roofer, minus the initial $3,600 paid to Home Repair.
• 😥 The family fears further damage, such as flooding, and is seeking a reputable new roofer to complete the job.
• 🔍 The Lodi Police Department is investigating the Chavez family's situation.