A devastating hailstorm last August still has a Glenwood, Iowa area family worrying about a leaky roof. A contractor took their insurance money last fall, but has yet to replace a shingle and he's left jobs unfinished before.

After paying for a deck, Scott Krueger didn't expect to see a cloud in the sky. “There should be a roof.” That's not all Scott didn't get for his money from New Exteriors and Decks, owned by Ross Sherwood. “All the excuses he's given me and won't return my calls.”

An $11,000 check written out to Sherwood was to go toward a new roof on the house and garage and new siding, but the damage from last summer remains.

The president of the Omaha Better Business Bureau says checking a company's name can build a false sense of security. “This is a contractor that we've had a multitude of problems with,” says Jim Hegarty. “He reinvents himself with new names.”

Ten company names used by Sherwood. One Source Background found three-dozen civil court actions against him. Reached by phone, Sherwood promised to finish the Krueger’s project. “I've gone through some serious personal issues. I've indicated that to Mr. Krueger that we're going to be back on the job.”

The $11,000 check written to Sherwood in September and cashed the same day was the Krueger’s insurance claim settlement. “I would like to get some money back like the down payment I paid him and then I'll find another contractor, I guess,” said Krueger.

New Exteriors and Decks built, but didn't finish, the deck while never starting the roof and siding, so without money back, Krueger expects severe damage to his bank account.

What can we take away from this unfinished project? The Better Business Bureau recommends not paying more than one-third up front. Also, make sure subs and suppliers are getting paid. Of course check references, but you can also do a Web search using both the company and the owner's name.

Ross Sherwodd and his business is not related in anyway to Sherwood Homes of Omaha