CONTACT

Katie Mitzner / Communications Director
Better Business Bureau of the Pikes Peak Region
Telephone: 719/636-5076 or 866/206-1094 Ext. 118
Fax: 719/636-5078
Email: katiem@bbbsc.org

Roofing Company Continuing to Prey on Vulnerable Homeowners

Colorado Springs, Colorado, September 29, 2004 — It all began this past summer when hail storms hit southern Colorado and homeowners started looking for contractors to fix the damage to their roofs. Shortly thereafter, a roofing company by the name of H.L. Bosche showed up in town. Consumers reported to the Better Business Bureau back in August that the company was claiming BBB membership. This company is not a member of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado. Additionally, consumers in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas reported that the company was distributing flyers and wanted consumers to sign contracts to have their roofs replaced. However, the company is not licensed through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department or the Pueblo Regional Building Department.

It appears the problems with H.L. Bosche continue. The Bureau has now been notified by a number of consumers and insurance companies that thousands of dollars they have paid to H.L. Bosche for deposits for roofing work have resulted in NO work being done. When consumers try contacting the company they are told to leave a voicemail message, their calls are not returned.

In addition, the Bureau has also learned that other local roofing companies have been approached by H.L. Bosche employees asking if they can use that company’s name to pull permits. The companies have refused the request. Now it appears H.L. Bosche employees are using the name of other roofing companies to obtain customers. Two roofing companies, both BBB members, have notified the Bureau that H.L. Bosche employees are going door to door advertising roofing services and are using their company name instead of H.L. Bosche. Contracts are drawn up but no work is done. The local roofing companies learned of the problem when they were contacted by upset homeowners who wanted to know when the work would be done. The local roofing companies had no records of these homeowners being their clients.

The Better Business Bureau has requested basic information from H.L. Bosche. As of today’s date, the Bureau has not received a response. Without this information, the Bureau may not have current information concerning such things as the company's management or its nature of business.

The Better Business Bureau and the El Paso County District Attorney’s are accepting complaints regarding H.L. Bosche.

Here’s what to look for in choosing a contractor:

• Choose a local company that has a history in the community.
• Solicit two or three bids from different companies.
• Get detailed proposals and contracts in writing.
• Check the references of any person offering to do repair work.
• Call the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department to make sure the company is properly licensed and insured at 327-2880. Contact the Pueblo Regional Building Department at 719-543-0002.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado before hiring any company. Check out a company’s report at www.bbbsc.org or call 719-636-1155 or 1-866-206-1800. If a company is a member, it will be stated in the report.
• Never feel hurried, intimidated or coerced by someone offering to do work on your home. A reputable contractor will wait while you do your homework.

If you are interested in an interview with a local consumer or insurance agency affected by this situation, please contact Katie Mitzner at the Better Business Bureau at 719-636-5076 or 1-866-206-1094 x118