JOHNSTON, Iowa —
Families in Central Iowa are suing Davis Custom Homes, a contractor based in Johnston with locations in Omaha and Houston, claiming the company has failed to deliver on promises to build their dream homes despite payments.
Aurora Eddington hopes to move into a custom-built 3,000-square-foot home in Stuart next year.
"We've been saving forever. We've both loved Barndominiums, and that's been our dream home. So this is literally our dream," Eddington said.
She hired Davis Custom Homes last December, secured land for the project and work started on June 3. Eddington has not heard from the company since July and alleges in a lawsuit that some subcontractors have not been paid, despite her making payments.
"Everybody's reaching out to us as homeowners trying to figure out where's our money, what's going on? Here we are with unfinished homes that now we have to hire someone else to finish," Eddington said.
Levi Johnson and his wife are facing similar issues with their dream home near Panora. He said there are defects in the foundation of their home. The Guthrie County environmental health department also found violations related to radon control.
"We felt like we spent months vetting this company. They even drove us to some of their projects at the time. There was pretty much good reviews online," Johnson said.
Both Johnson and Eddington have filed lawsuits against Davis Custom Homes, which also operates under the name BNPSUN.
Contractors, including the Flooring Guys and My Contractor, are also suing the company. Receipts submitted to the court allege Davis Custom Homes owes nearly $31,000 for products and services.
Another suit comes from My Contractor, alleging that Davis Custom Homes owes invoices for bathroom and kitchen cabinets totaling nearly $30,000.
Chris Coleman, president of the Better Business Bureau of Iowa, noted that BNPSUN was a BBB member for one year in 2021 and warned consumers to be cautious when selecting contractors.
"Make sure that consumers know not to get fooled into putting a down payment down," Coleman said.
Kenan Davis, listed as an agent for Davis Custom Homes in state records, his representative told KCCI he has no comment. Court records show the company has been served with the lawsuits but has not yet responded. Meanwhile, families involved are hopeful their dream of homeownership remains attainable.
Last month, the Small Business Administration approved BNPSUN for a $350,000 loan intended to help create three jobs. The agency stated that any business meeting the loan's eligibility qualifications can apply for the funds.
There's a fundraiser benefiting families impacted by the company. It's happening Friday from 7 to 11 a.m. in Waukee at KPC Studio 360.
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