Settlement in N.H. Contracting Lawsuit Reached

Attorney General Kelly Ayotte announced recently that the State of New Hampshire’s lawsuit against Alfred Verdone d/b/a AA Builders has been settled.

In July of 2004, the State filed suit in Belknap County Superior Court against Alfred Verdone who was operating AA Builders, a contracting business. In its lawsuit, the State alleged that Verdone had violated the Consumer Protection Act, by taking deposits from consumers for home contracting services, and then either failing to perform the contracted for work at all or performing the work in a shoddy manner. The State asked the Court to impose conditions on Verdone’s ability to do business which would protect consumers against Verdone’s unfair or deceptive business practices.

Before operating AA Builders in New Hampshire, Verdone had operated home contracting businesses in the State of Maine, under several different business names. Maine successfully sued Verdone, alleging that he intentionally defrauded consumers in violation of Maine law, by failing to perform work that was paid for, performing shoddy workmanship, and failing to provide proper written contracts.

As a result of New Hampshire’s lawsuit, the court prohibited Verdone from owning, operating, managing or controlling any home contracting or construction business, or any other business of any kind where deposits are taken prior to the providing of goods or services, for a period of 30 years.

Ayotte said “For the year 2004, the highest number of complaints received by the Consumer Protection Bureau from consumers were against home contractors, including complaints against painters and roofers. The State does not require home contractors to be licensed. At our urging, there is a proposal before the legislature which would require licensure, which is fully supported by this office.”