On September 22, 2020, Jamie Ladell Sullivan, the owner of Mr. Fix It Garage Door, was arrested by the Rankin County Sheriff’s office for defrauding seven customers. The victims paid thousands of dollars for materials and labor, expecting Sullivan to install garage doors in their homes, but he failed to perform the repairs and fulfill his promises.

In April 2020, a couple in Stump Ridge paid $4,000 to Sullivan for repair work, but he neither provided the materials nor completed the agreed-upon repairs. Additionally, Sullivan ceased all communication with an 86-year-old adult after taking their money, leaving the senior unable to contact him.

Sullivan faced charges and was convicted on June 2, 2022, with three counts of false pretense before a Rankin County Court Judge. He pleaded guilty to one count and was subsequently sentenced to 10 years, with five years suspended.

The Effects of False Pretense in the Garage Door Repair Industry

A garage door repair company or installer who accepts payment from customers but fails to fulfill the agreed-upon job and contracts commits a crime known as false pretense, punishable by law. False pretense involves intentionally deceiving others through misrepresentation or false statements to obtain money or property under false promises.

In the aforementioned case, the installer was charged with three counts of false pretense for allegedly deceiving customers by promising to install new garage doors in their homes in exchange for payment but failing to deliver the promised services. These deceptive practices, along with online fraud, make it challenging for consumers to find a reliable garage door repair contractor. Therefore, it’s crucial to research the company you intend to hire to ensure its legitimacy.

Hiring a Licensed Garage Door Repair Company

Licensed garage door repair companies typically undergo screening processes and background checks before obtaining their licenses. This vetting procedure ensures that they possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience to perform garage door repairs effectively and ethically. Consequently, consumers can reduce the likelihood of being deceived or scammed when repairing their garage doors. Licensed garage door companies are also accountable to regulatory bodies, making it easier to address any issues or complaints through official channels if necessary.

A licensed garage door repair company is also required to have and maintain a bond, which is a form of insurance that provides financial protection to consumers in case of incomplete or unsatisfactory work. This bond serves as an additional layer of security for customers, ensuring that they have recourse if the repair company fails to fulfill its obligations.

Performing a thorough check and verifying the company’s information before hiring a garage door contractor could mean the difference between repairs and installations projects done right and being deceived. Below are useful questions consumers should consider asking a garage door repair company before hiring them:

• What is your contractor license number?
• Do you have business insurance?
• What experience do you have in repairing and installing garage doors?
• What is the estimated timeline for the repair project?
• What materials will be used for the repair?

While some of this information should also be included in a written contract, these questions will help gauge the legitimacy of the company once verified.

Implications of Hiring an Unlicensed Garage Door Repair Worker

In addition to the risk of false pretense, hiring unlicensed workers means that any manufacturer’s warranties could be voided, and consumers won’t have coverage if the project remains incomplete or if damage occurs to their property. In the event of personal injury to a worker during the repair work, property owners could be held liable and may have to pay compensation out of pocket. Moreover, an unlicensed installer will not be able to obtain building permits if needed, potentially rendering any work done unsafe and negatively impacting the property’s value.

The importance of working with a licensed garage door contractor cannot be overstated. By utilizing the services of a registered and certified door contractor, consumers can eliminate the risk of deception, save time and money, extend the lifespan of their garage doors, and avoid dealing with unqualified workers who may compromise the safety and security of their garage doors and property.

Before sharing personal information and hiring a contractor for your next garage door repair or home improvement project, always verify their license and address on the CSLB website or the relevant official source in your area.