A $42,047 consent judgment was entered in Sedgwick County District Court against the owner of a basement and foundation repair business and the business itself for engaging in deceptive and unconscionable acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). According to a news release, the matter was investigated by the Office of the District Attorney Consumer Protection Division after receiving a complaint against AAA Basement & Foundation Technologies.
The Consumer Protection Division alleged that AAA Basement & Foundation Technologies and its owner Jebadiah Fairchild violated the KCPA by failing to obtain a permit to perform foundation work on a consumer’s home. To obtain a permit for the work, AAA Basement & Foundation Technologies would have had to submit engineering plans to the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department, but failed to do so. The Consumer Protection Division’s investigation also found that the work AAA Basement & Foundation Technologies performed resulted in structural problems with the consumer’s home, including problems with the floor, walls and windows. Yard grading and drainage work were never completed.
While Jebadiah Fairchild and AAA Basement & Foundation Technologies did not admit to the KCPA violations alleged, they agreed in the Consent Judgment to fully refund the consumer homeowner $21,350 They agreed to pay investigative expenses, civil penalties and court costs of $20,697. AAA Basement & Foundation Technologies and Mr. Fairchild also agreed to surrender all contractor licenses and not to own any portion of a business engaged in foundation repair in the State of Kansas.
The District Attorney reminds consumers to exercise care when choosing a contractor to perform work on their homes. Even though the contractor may be licensed, a consumer should assure that the necessary permits and inspection are obtained by the contractor. It is also a good idea to verify that the contractor is insured and bonded against damages.
The Consent Judgment was ordered on February 24, 2025 by Judge Deborah Hernandez Mitchell. The case was investigated by Jimmie Merrick of the District Attorney’s Office.
