Man sues builder over sunroom for dying father

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man is suing a Charlotte builder.

‘We wanted him comfortable,' customer says

Paul Fischetti said his father, whom people called Pops, didn't have long to live.

"We knew he was sick and it was only a matter of time, so we wanted him comfortable," he said.

So, in late 2014, Fischetti paid Jeffery Wolfe $10,000 up front to build his father a sunroom. Wolfe's team cleared the area slightly, but didn't build the room.

"It has been an abundance of excuses the whole time," Fischetti said.

Pops died last February. Fischetti still wanted the room built or a refund.

He took Wolfe to arbitration at the Better Business Bureau in July, and won.

"It's legally binding at that point," BBB president Tom Bartholomy said.

So Wolfe had to finish the sunroom or refund the money by Oct. 1. Neither one happened.

Customer says Wolfe came out armed

Around that time, Fischetti went to Wolfe's house in person to demand the money back. Fischetti said he shot video of Wolfe coming out to meet him and of Fischetti's mother, who was armed.

In the video, the man described as Wolfe says, "I'm trying. My guys quit on me. I don't know what else to do."

He also said "I'm sorry" and "I'm going to get you everything I can as soon as I can."

A few weeks after that, Wolfe went out of business.

"Still, to this day, nothing," Fischetti said.

Action 9 tried to call and email Wolfe, hand-delivered a letter to his home and went to his last known business address. Almost two months later, Wolfe still hasn't responded.

Another customer

Another customer also reported Wolfe to Action 9, saying he paid $10,000 up front. He too has had a hard time getting in touch with Wolfe.

That viewer said he reported Wolfe to the BBB.

BBB reviews and advice

The BBB says Wolfe used the business names American Sun and Shade and American Basement and Crawl.

The BBB lists this advice for hiring a contractor:

Get multiple estimates.

When hiring a contractor to do any type of work, get at least three estimates. Make sure the contractors have proof of their licenses and insurance. Ask if a permit is required for the project. Qualified contractors are able to acquire any permits before starting the job. Check out a contractor at BBB.org to see how long they have been in business, if they are accredited and if there are any complaints against their business.

Check references.

Look at more than what the contractor supplies. If possible, ask to visit previous jobs and interview the given references. Ask the previous customers if the job was completed to their specifications and if it was completed on schedule. Ask why they would recommend that particular contractor and if they would use that business again. It is also important to find out if the original estimate was close to what was paid or if the contractor charged unforeseen costs along the way.

Never pay up front.

Try to arrange a low down payment and pay the contractor only for the work that has been completed. Do not make the final payment until the job is completed and the final project meets your standards. Always pay with either a credit card or check, never cash.

Get everything in writing.

Ask the contractor for a written agreement that clearly includes all the project details. The contract should consist of contact information, a payment schedule, an estimated completion date, materials being used and their cost, warranties and any specific promises. Make sure to include that the contractor is accountable for cleaning up the area after completion of the project. Never sign a blank contract or any contract without reading it thoroughly. Keep a copy of the contract after the job is completed in case there is an issue.

Avoid contractors who: