Beware of a local "contractor" called Hampton Restoration. (www.HamptonRestorationServices.com) [NOT Hampton Restoration Group]
We need to do a full restoration of our bath room. We found Hampton Restoration on the Internet. The web site said "For your peace of mind, we are an honest business that is fully licensed and insured." The website also claimed that they were "screened and approved by HomeAdvisor" They provided an estimate, (and no contract) and we decided to go with them. They required a down payment of 1/2 the total estimate. We paid that.
I found out that they lied about being "fully licensed and insured" and Home Advisor has not "screened and approved" them. I told them we want our deposit back. They refused.
They did no design work. We purchased and procured all the materials (vanity, toilet, lights, tile, shower and vanity plumbing, towel rack, mirror, etc.). They provided no labor, and yet they think they are entitled to $9120.00 of our money. We consider this Grand Theft.
On top of this, the legal system proved disappointing. The State of NY, which seems to have good consumer protections, sent us to Suffolk County that also has what seems to be good consumer protections, but said that because the crime occurred in East Hampton NY, they had not jurisdiction. We filed a police report, and they were very sympathetic, but ultimately after investigating decided it was "a civil matter" not a "criminal matter". So if I went to the convenience store and shoplifted a cold beer, they would arrest me. But if a contractor steals $9120.00, it is up to me to sue the perpetrator. After speaking with an attorney in E. Hampton, he advised that I could try small claims court in E. Hampton (no lawyer required), and at best get back only $3000 (but I might loose). If I wanted to try to get back more of my money, he thought I might have to go all the way to the NY Supreme Court. Of course legal fees would wipe out any possible wins, and perhaps I would not win.
So bottom line: Stay away from this fraudulent business. It could happen to you. read more