A Central Oregon homeowner says an $8,500 roofing deposit turned into a credit card dispute after the contractor stopped responding.
Martin Stadtmueller told KTVZ he gathered several roofing estimates before choosing 541 Roofing. He said the company appeared legitimate, offered what seemed like a solid warranty, and told him it would handle permitting through Sunriver.
Stadtmueller said he paid the deposit in mid-May with a credit card. After the payment went through, he said communication slowed, then stopped.
Roof replacement often starts with a large deposit before materials, permits, shingles, or crews appear at the house. That gap can leave homeowners exposed when a contractor becomes hard to reach.
The Homeowner Says Calls Went Unanswered
Stadtmueller told KTVZ he tried texting the office manager who had previously communicated with him.
He said he also called several numbers tied to the business, but could not get a response.
He has since disputed the charge with his credit card company and received a temporary refund while the claim is reviewed. Stadtmueller said he checked for complaints with the Construction Contractors Board before hiring the company and did not see obvious red flags at the time.
Public Records Show Separate Financial Claims
KTVZ reported that 541 Brand LLC, doing business as 541 Roofing and Heating Coil, is named in a civil lawsuit filed by SRS Distribution.
The complaint alleges the company and owner Eric Levens owe more than $152,000 for materials, supplies, and equipment.
The station also reported a court judgment totaling more than $52,000 against Levens and the business, along with a federal tax lien of about $129,000. KTVZ said those claims are allegations in court filings and had not been independently proven in its report.
Oregon Requires Written Contracts For Larger Jobs
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board says written contracts are required when residential construction work exceeds $2,000.
Those contracts must include the contractor’s name, address, phone number, CCB license number, work description, price, payment terms, and the property owner’s rights.
The agency also says required consumer notices must be provided for residential construction contracts over $2,000, including lien-related information.
Payment Records Can Matter If Work Stalls
The Oregon DOJ advises homeowners to research contractors, get several bids, and check references before hiring.
Cameron Nakashima with the Better Business Bureau told KTVZ that consumers dealing with an unresponsive contractor can report the issue to the BBB, the Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission, and local authorities where appropriate.
BBB guidance also warns homeowners to be cautious with high upfront payments, cash-only deals, handshake agreements, and contractors who take deposits and fail to return for the work.
In Stadtmueller’s case, the credit card payment gave him a way to dispute the charge while the roofing project remains unresolved.