End construction now FS contractor charged in county sting

      Dillon says William Etter, doing business out of Home Construction Services on New Hyde Park Road, was arrested last Thursday for allegedly taking thousands of dollars from at least two clients without finishing the work or complying with the law.
      "As usual," said Dillon, "this individual was brought to our attention through the complaints of homeowners who had paid them for home improvement work that was never satisfactorily completed."
      Dillon says the charges against Etter stem from a complaint from two homeowners, one in Massapequa and one from Great Neck. "Etter accepted a $27,500 check from a Massapequa homeowner toward the cost of a $50,000 extension on the home," said Dillon, further alleging that Etter dug a foundation hole in January 2002 but did not put a cement block foundation--which also later failed inspection--in until July. The dirt from the hole, said Dillon, was left until October.
      "After doing no work between August and November," said Dillon, "he (Etter) told the homeowners he needed more money for building materials. When they refused, they never heard from him again."
      The second alleged mishandling occurred in Great Neck, where Dillon says Etter was paid $7,500 towards the $30,000 cost of replacing a two-car garage. "He had the original garage demolished," said Dillon, "but no one ever returned to build the new one." After that, said Dillon, the homeowner was notified that he had no permits for the operation even though Etter allegedly said he obtained them. Dillon also sad Etter stiffed the carting company contracted to demolish and remove the rubble $1,500, money later charged to the homeowner.
      Etter, who faces up to one year for each of the misdemeanor charges, could not be reached for comment. Also issued a summons in the joint operation were 24 other contractors, including Ted Hoffman of Siding by Ted, operating out of Nightingale Road, West Hempstead. Details into the Hoffman allegations could not be received by press time.
      Bogsted urges any consumer having a problem with contractor work or looking to research one before a hire to call the Dept. of Consumer Affairs at 571-2600.