Introduction

In a small town in Lincoln, New Brunswick, John and Julie Ridley's dream retirement home has turned into a nightmare they never anticipated. Upon pulling into their driveway, one can't help but notice the large swaths of missing red siding from both their home and garage—a stark reminder of their unfortunate experience with a contractor.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe this happened to us,” Julie expressed, reflecting on their ordeal. The trouble began shortly after the couple purchased their house in March 2022. Hoping to enhance their abode with a new second storey, they enlisted Brandon Boudreau of BGB Construction Inc. With a trusted recommendation from a local business and a surprisingly low quote of $70,000, the Ridleys believed they had found a reliable contractor.

Red Flags Emerge

However, once the initial payments began, red flags emerged. They transferred Boudreau a total of $45,486 over five months, yet the work was negligible. Boudreau frequently cited reasons for the delays—his lawyer’s absence, computer issues, or not having enough workers. Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of their trouble.

After Boudreau managed to remove the garage roof with a crane, he vanished. For six excruciating months, their roof remained off, exposing their home to water damage which seeped into the basement. The Ridleys desperately sought a proper contract but instead received a string of lame excuses that only compounded their growing distrust.

Fraud Cases in Canada

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) later reported that fraud cases involving contractors are rampant in Canada, with over 150 complaints registered annually regarding unreliable service providers. In November alone, home improvement scams spiked, ranking as one of the top risks for Canadians. Alarmingly, 82% of these complaints resulted in financial losses.

Turning to Legal Action

Feeling stranded, the Ridleys turned to legal action. But their attempts to reclaim lost funds were met with the grim realization that the police viewed the situation as a civil matter. As they explored options, Julie discovered they weren't alone—numerous others reported similar dealings with Boudreau. Their dogged pursuit for justice eventually led to a police investigation.

Judicial Outcome

In February 2024, their perseverance bore fruit when Boudreau was charged with fraud over $5,000 related to the Ridleys’ case. By the summer, he pleaded guilty, and on October 15, a judge sentenced him to two years less a day of conditional time, including six months of house arrest, while ordering him to repay the Ridleys $51,955 in damages.

Boudreau publicly apologized in court, citing personal struggles with addiction and life challenges as the catalyst for his actions. His defense lawyer claimed that the contractor's arrest may have ultimately saved his life, as he is now sober and undergoing counseling. Meanwhile, the Ridleys left the courthouse with a mix of relief and disbelief, grateful to recover their lost funds—a rare outcome.

The Ridleys' Message

“I’m stunned. I’m absolutely gobsmacked. It’s awesome,” Julie said, expressing their elation. However, they were acutely aware that many others might not be so fortunate. In the courtroom that day were others, like Lana Kovinich, who expressed envy of the Ridleys' success while lamenting their own unpaid claims against Boudreau.

Determined to warn others about fraudulent contractors, the Ridleys shared their story publicly. “People need to know about this guy and others like him to avoid the pain we experienced,” John implored. Julie echoed this sentiment, urging other homeowners to trust their instincts, adding, “If something feels wrong, listen to that gut feeling.”

Conclusion

Their story serves as a powerful reminder: be vigilant when hiring contractors and ensure you do your homework to protect yourself from potential scams. The Ridleys’ harrowing experience may save others from enduring similar crises.