District Attorney enters judgment against Wichita contractor

A default judgment was entered against a Wichita contractor for failure to provide material benefit and engaging in deceptive acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. The $171,651.50 judgement against Robert Bryan, doing business as Finest Construction, was investigated by the Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division after receiving a consumer complaint regarding work being performed on a house that left the newly-built porch sinking and pulling the roof down with it.

The Consumer Protection Division alleged that Bryan violated the KCPA by contracting for services without a license. Bryan performed various construction and remodeling services requiring trade certifications that he did not have, including electrical and plumbing work. The most serious involved foundation waterproofing work that Bryan attempted without the requisite licensing, engineering work and permits.

The court ordered Robert Bryan to pay $50,454.50 in restitution to the consumers, $120,000 in civil penalties, as well as court costs and investigative fees. The court also prohibited Mr. Bryan, from doing business as Finest Construction, from engaging in consumer transactions in Kansas,
unless properly licensed and until all restitution, costs and fees in this judgment are paid.

The District Attorney reminds consumers to exercise care when selecting a contractor to work on their homes. Consumers should ask to see any potential contractor’s license and insurance information, and review any online information and reviews available about the contractor before signing a contract. Consumers can always contact the Metropolitan Area Building and
Construction Department at 660-1840 if they have any questions about a contractor’s licensing credentials.