LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan Legal professional Normal Dana Nessel is suing a development firm, accusing it and its proprietor of “ripping off” prospects in a number of counties for accepting and holding deposits for development initiatives that had been by no means began.
The Division of Legal professional Normal filed swimsuit towards Hummingbird Development Co., LLC, and its proprietor, Matthew Ashline, earlier this week, claiming that the actions of the corporate violated the Michigan Client Safety Act.
Ashline is accused of amassing deposits from prospects in Eaton, Monroe, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties to start engaged on varied development initiatives — and by no means doing so. In a number of circumstances, he’s accused of delaying or failing to return deposits to prospects regardless of repeated requests, based on the lawsuit.
One of many circumstances talked about within the lawsuit noticed a buyer, needing roof and porch repairs, allegedly pay an $8,000 deposit in June 2024 for work that by no means started. They had been refunded months later after submitting a police grievance. One other case from February 2025 had a buyer allegedly pay a $7,000 deposit for a roof alternative, however the work was by no means began, and his deposit had not been returned.
Others paid $5,000 in January and April 2025 for porch and roof work that was by no means adopted via on, based on the lawsuit. Moreover, the lawsuit states that the corporate obtained $162,000 in deposits this yr to assemble a brand new house, a challenge that was repeatedly delayed with no refund thus far.
You possibly can learn the total lawsuit right here.
Nessel recommends that you must fastidiously vet contractors and residential enchancment corporations earlier than signing with them, and says you must do the next:
Don’t fall for high-pressure gross sales techniques
Ask to see a contractor’s license and insurance coverage
Examine to see if a contractor’s license has been suspended or revoked
Get a number of estimates and evaluate them
Demand a written contract, learn all of the small print, and be aware of arbitration clauses
Ensure you have the required permits
Maintain your self knowledgeable with the Higher Enterprise Bureau
Pay because the job is accomplished via a number of deposits, and use a bank card that gives fraud safety. Keep away from utilizing money.
When you have had related experiences with Himmingbird Development or one other firm, you’ll be able to fill out an internet grievance kind right here or attain out to the Division of Legal professional Normal at 517-335-7599.
