BBB: Hansen & Horn earned 'F' rating

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An I-Team 8 investigation into local builder Hansen and Horn is hitting home with Hoosiers.

Homeowners said they've lost thousands while contractors are trying to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars. The story has prompted e-mails, phone calls and comments on our Web site.

Ashlie Wilson and her fiancé bought a Hansen and Horn home. But all they have to show for it are letters sent by their attorney to the company, trying to get back the $2,000 in earnest money and reimbursement for nearly $2,000 in legal fees.

"We kind of felt stupid," she said. "We felt like we had messed up, like we were really ignorant."

Ignorant, she said, because she now believes they didn't do enough to check the company before they signed a contract.

Bill Thomas is the CEO of the Better Business Bureau . His company gave Hansen and Horn an "F" rating.

"Hansen and Horn would be considered a company that you better be sure you do a lot of checking before you get involved with them, write them a check or have them build your home."

Ironically, Wilson said her fiancé did check out the Better Business Bureau site back in the early summer and the company had an "A" rating. For buyers, an Internet search is often a good place to start.

Right now, there are at least two sites created by people who said they are having problems with Hansen and Horn homes. Another place to check is the Indiana Attorney General's Office .

Director of Consumer Protection Abby Kuzma said there have been complaints about Hansen and Horn.

"There have. There have over a long period of years going back to the 80s,” she said.

Kuzma said you can contact the Consumer Protection Office to find out if there have been consumer complaints against any company. She said it's crucial that before you sign any contract, you know what's in it.

"Understand it. And they should be willing in terms of whoever you’re dealing with to give you a copy of it so you can take it home and study it so you don't feel like on the spot," said Kuzma.

Those who say they've lost earnest money in a Hansen and Horn deal might get some help working out a deal to get it back through the consumer protection division.

Remember, we want to hear from you. You can e-mail us at newsdesk@wishtv.com or leave your comments below.