SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) — Mike and Deanna Larson take a lot of pride in their rural home.
But what's under their roof was nearly destroyed by what was on top of it.
The Larsons hired Jason Smith of J.M. Smith Construction to install a metal roof on their house and free-standing garage. The project started in February 2017 and the Larsons say they have spent close to $10,000 so far. The project remains in progress.
"I thought the price right off the bat...I said that's too good to be true," Mike Larson said.
He says Smith left the roof unfinished in parts and defective in others, allowing water to leak into their home. Larson says he continued to pressure Smith into finishing the project.
"All they did was come back and pick up their tools they left behind and never showed back up," Larson said.
In August, WAND News shared the Ashenfelter family's story. They claimed Smith had stiffed them on a siding, roofing and window project.
At the time, WAND reached out to Smith to comment on the allegations. After agreeing to an interview, he was unable to be reached afterward.
For this latest story, Smith said he'd be available between 7 and 9 p.m. Tuesday evening. After calling three times in that window — and numerous times before — Smith was once again unable to be reached for comment.
The Larsons say they just want others to be aware of their struggle to finish putting a roof over their head.
"Do a background [check]," Mike Larson said. "Get references — good references."
