RICHWOOD, Texas – A disabled homeowner in Brazoria County says the contractor he hired to repair his roof after Hurricane Beryl walked off the job, left the work incomplete, and is now threatening to place a $17,000 lien on his home.
Christopher Copus says it all started after a tree crashed through his roof during last year’s storm. He and his elderly mother, who has dementia, stayed in the house for weeks under a tarp with no power.
“All of a sudden we had water pouring in our ceiling. We had limbs come in our attic and our hallway,” Copus told KPRC 2’s Re’Chelle Turner.
Shortly after, he says a roofer who previously worked on his mother’s home reached out to offer help. That person referred him to Baker Roofing and Construction.
Copus says the company quoted $9,000 for tree removal and roof repairs. He paid his $3,420 deductible — but then the red flags started piling up.
According to Copus, the company billed:
- $430 for permits — even though permits are free in Richwood
- A 42% markup on flooring materials
- More than $3,500 in charges for work that was never completed, including repairs to a brick wall that he says had no damage
“He was just running up a tab,” Copus said. “Everything was an overcharge.”
He says things got even more suspicious when the roof was inspected by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
“The inspector was the same man who referred me to the contractor,” Copus said. “If that’s not illegal, it’s definitely a conflict of interest.”
Copus says TWIA later sent engineers to reinspect the work. Copus says they confirmed the repairs were incomplete and stated the contractor would be responsible.
State records show that Baker Roofing and Construction, LLC listed in Dallas was voluntarily terminated as a business.
The Better Business Bureau says the company is not accredited and has an F rating. Leah Napoliello with the BBB Houston chapter told KPRC 2 the Dallas office reached out to the company about its advertised solar panel services and licensing but never received a response.
“They were advertising solar panel installation at some point, and when the BBB asked them for their license, they did not respond,” Napoliello said.
Copus says after questioning the charges and demanding explanations, the contractor abandoned the job. Then, he received an email threatening a lien on his home for $17,000.
“I was dumbfounded,” he said. “He took the money, left the job unfinished, and now he wants to put a lien on my house? I don’t understand that.”
He later took out a $11,000 loan to complete the repairs with another contractor.
The BBB says it’s crucial to do your homework before hiring any contractor — especially after a major weather event.
Check for complaints and reviews.
Google the company or owner’s name along with the word “scam” to see if anything concerning pops up.
Ask for references from the company.
Talk to friends and family about contractors they’ve used and recommend.
Do your due diligence up front to help avoid stress and issues later.
Christopher told Turner he plans to take the owner to small claims court to fight the lien.