Complaint Review: Akbar Contracting

Called around getting roofing estimates, June 2003. One day individual shows up at my house and says his name is Charles Akbar and asked if I would let him do my roof. He gave me an low estimate and showed me houses in town that he had done. Checked BBB and found no listing. Decided to go with him.

He said he would need $2500 for materials which seemed reasonable because the shingles I wanted were priced at a local store for $2600. I gave him check and the following Monday he had a crew at my house and they tore all the shingles off the front of the house and put tarpaper down.

Akbar contacted me about Wednesday and said he was having trouble finding the shingles I wanted as the store where I had priced them didn't stock anymore as company didn't make them anymore.

2 weeks of continually contacting Akbar and always hearing promises of getting the shingles there the next day. When they didn't arrive, he would say that the company he was dealing with let him down.

It rained every afternoon for the next week and roof started leaking where there was only tarpaper. Called Akbar, next day he came and put more tarpaper on roof. Continued to leak. Called, no response for one week

Contacted BBB, they attempted to contact-no response.
Contacted another roofing company after 3 weeks of non performance and unanswered phone calls. The other roofing company came and did measurements and Akbar showed up. He was angry that I was having another company do the roof.

I filed a claim against him in small claims court and won judgement against him for $2000. and $50. court cost.
Judge told me that even though I won I probably wouldn't be able to get my money. After waiting 30 days I could go with the sheriff to Akbar's and take property worth my claim.

I asked the judge about garnishment of wages as Akbar worked as referee for the city leagues. Judge said SC doesn't allow garnishment of wages.

30 days pass, I call the sheriff's department and tell the name of who I have a judgemnet against, he starts laughing and says to stand in line as others have been ripped off by Akbar with the latest being the day before I called. Contacted business license office and they stated I could only have his license pulled if he was not a good roofer or not following roofing construction standards.

I learned my lesson-don't give any materials deposit up front and deal with reputable companies even if their price is a little higher. SC laws allow crimminals to continue their "business" day in and day out.

John
Sumter, South Carolina
U.S.A.