State sues Indy heating, cooling biz

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Indianapolis-based company is among three being targeted by lawsuits from the Indiana Attorney General’s office.

Mister Quik Home Services, a heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing company, was sued by the state under allegations it deceived customers to boost sales.

The lawsuit alleges the company violated the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act.

Two residents complained Mister Quik said they needed a new electrical breaker panel for $2,600 or more — when other companies charged half as much. One homeowner said the company said without the new panel the house would burn down.

The work also required a permit within Marion County, which Mister Quik didn’t obtain to do the work, the lawsuit alleges.

Two other companies face unrelated lawsuits. Henry County-based Patriot Restoration of New Castle and Lake County-based Reliable Home Improvements are being sued by the state. Patriot Restoration is accused of taking payments from homeowners for repairs but never completing the work and using contracts that don’t meet state requirements.

“Door-to-door salesman offering home improvement services – especially after damaging storms – may pressure homeowners into making quick decisions without fully vetting the contract or the company,” Attorney General Greg Zoeller said. “Repairs on your home can carry a hefty price, which means consumers can never do too much homework before deciding on a contractor.”

Reliable Home Improvements is accused of helping people obtain financing for home repairs but not finishing the work or providing refunds.

For more information about home improvement scams consumers can visit www.IndianaConsumer.com .