Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has initiated a legal battle against a home-improvement contractor accused of defrauding consumers by failing to deliver on services and executing subpar work. Yost's fight against Aaron Cowans, owner of 1st Choice Renew, is the latest in a series of complaints and legal actions endeavoring to halt what appears to be a pattern of deception. According to a statement from Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General, Cowans faces allegations under the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act that have led to approximately $119,000 in consumer damages.
Chronicling the legal skirmish, this isn't Ohio's first run-in with Cowans. Following a May 2023 judgment that banned his operation until financial reparations were met, Cowans is suspected of dodging the prohibition through a crafty rebrand of his business, transitioning from past entities known as 1st Pick Home Improvement and Cowans Home Improvement to his current venture. Still, despite Yost's efforts and the previous court's default judgment, Cowans has allegedly continued his dubious operations under new guises.
The present lawsuit aims to obtain restitution for those wronged by 1st Choice Renew and seeks an injunction to block Cowans from operating any home-improvement business in the state. This filing by the Attorney General's Office adds to nine complaints gathered in partnership with the Better Business Bureau, which include allegations as varied as failure to finish contracted tasks, shoddy craftsmanship, and the refusal to refund payments to customers upon non-delivery of services or materials.
With the lawsuit underway, General Yost advises Ohio's residents to exercise caution with home-improvement contracts, underscoring the importance of a thorough vetting process before making any financial commitments. They aim to prevent Cowans from "further taking advantage of Ohioans, regardless of what company name he uses," as Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General, stated. Furthermore, those suspecting negative encounters with 1st Choice Renew or any of Cowans' former setups are called upon to come forth with their experiences and nudged to contact the Attorney General’s Office for recourse.
