When Matt and Mandii Sturlaugson were looking for a contractor to build an out building on their West Fargo, ND property – they made the final decision with a handshake at their kitchen table. They still did more than most with checking on the contractor’s background, but after months without work…it appears they are out over $20,000.
When the Sturlaugsons met Matt Lano from Dakota Pole Buildings, he seemed nice. Two small town folks doing business in a state where people trust each other. Unfortunately, that tune has changed. The Sturlaugsons are out over $20,000 in the form of a deposit they put down for a storage building they wanted on their property, plus some hard lessons on what a person needs to do to accurately vet a contractor.
(Mandii and Matt Sturlaugson in their backyard where the out building had been planned)
After months and months of communication and prep work, the Sturlaugsons have discovered that their contractor was using new money to pay old debts and they are now stuck in the middle.
Buyer beware, but more specifically – buyer beware of the amount of phone calls you should expect to properly vet a contractor.
ND Attorney General’s
Website
and Contact Information
ND Consumer Protection Number 1-800-472-2600
ND Secretary of State’s
Website
and Contact Information
Telephone: 701-328-2900
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