Better Business Bureau warns customers about possible construction scam

The Better Business Bureau is warning Mid-Missouri residents about a potential construction scam by a Columbia business.

The BBB says several customers paid Switzer Construction and its owner, Cory Smith, thousands of dollars for home repairs that were never completed.

One woman reportedly paid $3,500 last fall for repairs to a porch, stairs and garage, but the work was never done and she has been unable to reach Smith or the company.

Another customer paid $3,800 in January for a screened porch. The work was started, but not finished.

According to the BBB, Smith registered Switzer Construction in April 2012 with the Missouri Secretary of State. The company’s website lists roofing and siding work, deck and flooring construction, guttering work and kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

The website goes on to state the company has three goals: “affordable pricing, customer satisfaction and lifelong relationships.”

The BBB suspended Switzer’s accreditation when the company failed to respond to consumer complaints. The agency has reached out to Smith and Switzer, but have not received a response.