News Summary
Homeowners in Charleston are left stranded after Orange Elephant Roofing vanished after collecting payments for roofing repairs. Customers report unanswered calls and abandoned offices. The company’s license was suspended amid complaints, leaving victims to suffer significant financial losses. Local businesses are stepping up to help affected homeowners, highlighting the importance of choosing reputable contractors for home repairs.
Charleston Roofing Company Leaves Homeowners High and Dry
In a troubling twist of events in Charleston, homeowners are feeling abandoned after a local roofing company, Orange Elephant Roofing, has seemingly vanished after collecting thousands of dollars for repairing roofs. Customers were left in the lurch after a series of weather-related incidents, including a recent microburst, had them scrambling for much-needed repairs.
A Rough Start Turned Sour
Founded in 2019, Orange Elephant Roofing was once a licensed company operating in South Carolina. However, it has recently faced multiple complaints from customers who say they cannot reach the company after making significant payments for repairs. Many of these homeowners thought they were being smart by settling their contracts upfront, but little did they know that was just the beginning of their troubles. Upon completion of payment, they were told the work would begin within a span of six to eight weeks. That timeline stretched on endlessly as calls to the company went unanswered.
Tragic Tales from the Community
Take, for instance, Alexis Tecosky, who forked over a staggering $12,000 for roofing repairs that were never completed. In a bid to get answers, her brother visited the company’s office only to find an eerie scene. The place was abandoned, with computers and paperwork left untouched, giving off a vibe that Tecosky compared to a “zombie apocalypse.” It turns out that the North Charleston address of Orange Elephant Roofing is no longer operational, and the phone numbers provided are nothing but a loop of endless voicemail.
Others are facing similar fates. Customers like Amanda Karabees and 94-year-old veteran James Natividad, who paid $12,000 and $6,000 respectively, have also found themselves ghosted by a company that once seemed reliable and professional. The growing list of affected homeowners is staggering—claims being reported indicate that victims collectively lost over half a million dollars in total.
Unraveling Business Practices
Adding to the chaos, regulatory bodies stepped in. Orange Elephant Roofing’s business license was suspended on November 1 due to the absence of a primary qualifying party linked to the license. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation has confirmed this suspension, but unfortunately, it appears that there is no straightforward way for customers to recuperate their lost funds. Homeowners can file police reports and complaints with various state departments, but hope for quick action seems dim.
A Community Comes Together
In response to this distressing situation, two local roofing companies—New Beginnings Construction and Patriot Roofing—have extended a helping hand to those affected by Orange Elephant’s disappearance. They have offered to perform roofing work at cost, which is a silver lining amidst the chaotic cloud of disappointment. Meanwhile, a Facebook group aptly named “Victims of Orange Elephant” has popped up, amassing over 200 members from different states, all sharing their unfortunate experiences and offering support to one another.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
One former employee of Orange Elephant Roofing suggested that the company’s ambitious expansion mixed with financial mismanagement led to its downfall. For customers who once felt confident in this company, the sudden change has left many feeling betrayed. Initial interactions during the sales process felt professional and promising, but after the payments settled, a complete withdrawal took place.
As Charleston homeowners look to recover, they are being advised to seek alternative and reputable contractors for their roofing needs. Moving forward, it’s a reminder that while it’s safe to invest in home repair, doing thorough research and choosing trustworthy companies is essential to avoid falling prey to scams.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Live 5 News: I’ve Been Robbed
- Count on 2: Local Business Steps In for Homeowners
- CBS News: Roofing Company Stiffing Customers
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Live 5 News: State & Federal Authorities Investigating Roofing Company
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Information
