OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – After escaping Latvia during World War II and serving in the U.S. military as an interpreter, 88-year-old Herberts Melnalknis interpreted an Iowa roofing brochure as proof of an Omaha contractor's license.
“I probably should have called the city, but I don’t know,” Herberts said.
After a summer storm caused visible damage to his home, Herberts said a representative from DRJ Services, Inc. of Iowa came to his door.
“He said they were roofers,” Herberts said.
Herberts owns a house, a pergola and an old carriage house that DRJ Services said was in need of repairs. So he gave the company representative two cashier's checks totaling more than $12,000. DRJ Services, Inc. has an address in Bettendorf, Iowa and should not be confused with companies that use the same initials.
“I just want it done or the money back,” Herberts said. “The insurance paid me and I paid them, but now nothing is being done.”
First Alert 6 contacted DRJ Services and a representative said the materials were supposed to be delivered on November 19th but nothing has been dropped off yet. To do this in the city of Omaha, he needed a contractor's license and pull permits. There are no records of either in the city's database.
In addition to the roof damage, there are noticeable hail dents on the siding, which the contractor was hired to replace. However, to do this in the city of Omaha, he would need a contractor's license and pull permits. There is no evidence of this in the city's registration book.
The representative, who claimed to have the required license, promised to provide First Alert 6 with proof a week ago, but he has not yet returned a call. The company has a D-Plus rating with the Better Business Bureau.
“Unfortunately, this consumer has waited far too long and hopefully [DRJ] will respond and work out something to get the job done or get their money back,” said BBB’s Jim Hegarty.
Red Rhino Roofing has an A-Plus rating with the BBB — and a city license — so First Alert 6 asked the Omaha-based company to review Herberts' situation.
“There's a good chance we can help you before winter and make sure everything is sealed so you don't have to worry about anything happening until winter,” Red Rhino's Ben Gutekunst told Herberts.
John Wanninger, the owner of Red Rhino Roofing, says homework should be a homeowner's top priority before handing out checks to a contractor.
“[It’s important] “That way, as a customer, you know you’re working with a contractor who has been through the process, gotten permits and licenses, and is someone you can trust to do the work you need done,” Wanninger said.
With the help of the BBB, Herberts will continue to attempt to contact DRJ Services for a refund, which he says will go directly into Red Rhino Roofing's pockets to get the job done.
The Nebraska Department of Labor confirms that DRJ Services of Iowa has not even registered in Nebraska. The homeowner filed a report with Omaha police, claiming the company was paid for work that was never started.
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