More families are coming forward with accusations against Construction Kings, alleging the company took large sums of money for home improvement projects and failed to complete the work, leaving properties damaged and impacting vulnerable individuals. The owner reportedly plans to file for bankruptcy.
More families are reaching out to FOX 13 Seattle for help following a report on a construction company accused of taking tens of thousands of dollars from homeowners and leaving their properties in ruins.
On Monday, FOX 13 Seattle first shared the story of a disabled veteran in Fircrest who said he paid Construction Kings about $30,000 for a deck and fence that were never built. Since that story aired, other families have come forward with nearly identical experiences. What was supposed to be a wheelchair-accessible ramp for Brittany Gunderson’s brother-in-law has instead become a $50,000 obstacle course.
"One of the other victims saw that you talked to someone else recently, in regards to the same contractor, and that's why we wanted to get in touch with you to let you know how big this is," Gunderson said. "It’s a lot bigger than you think. "The Gundersons say they hired Construction Kings after hearing positive reviews from neighbors.
However, they are approaching nearly a year since they started business with the company and their yard remains a disaster. Gunderson says her brother-in-law hasn't been able to visit the home in months because of the lack of accessibility.
"He took advantage of a disabled person," Gunderson said. "My brother-in-law has not been at this home in months. I miss him. I miss having him home.
"Gunderson says her husband finally reached the owner of Construction Kings a few weeks ago, but the news wasn't promising. "My husband spoke with the owner, who said he’s filing bankruptcy," Gunderson said. "Long story short, he spent our money on another project is what he said. "The Gundersons’ experience mirrors that of the Turk family, who spoke to FOX 13 on Monday.
The Turks alleged the company took their retirement savings for a backyard project that was never completed. The scale of the alleged scam is drawing attention from state and local authorities. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries says they currently have 26 contractor fraud complaints filed against Construction Kings. Bonney Lake police confirmed they have multiple active criminal investigations into the company’s business practices.
While Brittany Gunderson has little hope of recovering the $50,000 her family lost, she says her primary goal is now warning other families.
"I want him to be held accountable at this point," she said. "That’s all we can do, right? Make sure he’s held accountable and make sure there are no more victims—because this is a lot of money.
"FOX 13 Seattle reached out to the president of Construction Kings regarding these allegations. He stated that he does not wish to speak on camera. Will gas in WA hit $8?
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