Black Forest family loses $59,000 after contractor inexplicably quits job

BLACK FOREST, Colo. (KRDO) -- A family in Black Forest is out more than $59,000 after a contractor they hired to build a garage on their property quit in the middle of the project.

In August, Jim Thompson hired Troy Rogers and Penrose Lumber Specialities to build a 40'x40'x14' tall detached garage on his property by Thanksgiving. Thompson says he hired Rogers based on a number of referrals from friends who said Rogers had done a satisfactory job on other projects in the past.

"(Rogers) came out to look at the job, and it didn't seem like any problem for him to do," said Thompson.

Now it's April, and the parts to the garage are sprawled across his property. The crew hired on to complete the project haven't been seen by Thompson since February.

"They unloaded the truck and did some sorting after the next snowstorm that came through. Then they moved some stuff around," said Thompson. "It looked like they were getting ready to erect the building and that was the last time we saw them."

The Thompsons made payments in four increments totaling more than $59,000. Some of the work was complete, including excavation and a subcontractor was hired on to finish work on a new driveway. However, construction on the primary job - the garage - was never started.

Thompson tells 13 Investigates they've tried to contact Rogers and Penrose Lumber Specialties for weeks with no success.

"Zero communication; emails, texts, phone calls, no communication whatsoever," said Thompson. "Now it looks like it's probably going to cost me another 28, 29-thousand dollars to complete it." 

According to the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, a contractor would need an 'E-License' in order to build a detached garage on a residential property. However, 13 Investigates discovered neither Penrose Lumber Specialties nor Troy Rogers have a contractor's license. On top of that, Rogers never applied for a permit to build the garage on Thompson's property.

While investigating Troy Rogers and Penrose Lumber Specialties, 13 Investigates discovered that Rogers pleaded guilty to felony-level theft in Routt County back in 2017.

Kristine Ager hired on Rogers when she wanted remodeling done in her bathrooms and kitchen. Ager paid Rogers $2,350 as a downpayment for the project.

"He called himself the master of all trades. I thought he was very cocky," said Ager. "Once he was driving down the road after I gave him my money I realized I didn't have any paperwork. He didn't give me an invoice stating what my money was for. I realized that's a red flag right there."

Rogers never came back to start the job for Ager. Like with the Thompsons, Ager says Rogers ignored many of her calls, emails, and letters. After months of silence, Ager went to the Routt County Sheriffs Office, and a warrant was issued for Roger's arrest. Not long after, Rogers pleaded guilty and paid Ager her money back.

The Thompsons tell 13 Investigates they have filed a civil suit against Troy Rogers and Penrose Lumber Specialties.

13 Investigates spoke with Troy Rogers outside of his Colorado Springs home to see if he plans on finishing the garage on the Thompson's property.

"I resigned off that job," said Rogers. "I told (Thompson) I resigned off of it. He kept changing the scope of work. The money wasn't there anymore. I actually lost a couple of subcontractors over it."

When 13 Investigates asked Rogers where the $59,000 went, the unlicensed contractor says the money was already spent on subcontractors, the steel to build the garage, and the concrete for the driveway. Rogers says he pumped his own money into the project to keep it going.

Rogers says he was hired on as a liaison to oversee the construction of the garage, and a contractor's license isn't required. However, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department says whether it's a liaison or contractor, it's still considered 'construction consulting' and an E-License is required.

13 Investigates asked Rogers if he regretted any of the actions he has taken or not taken.

"Yes, I do actually to be fair," said Rogers. "It's always been about trying to help them, to help other people. It just didn't work out for me. I couldn't do it."

On Saturday, the Thompson's began building the garage themselves along with help from friends and family. As for Rogers, Thompson has one thing to say to the man he hired on more than half a year ago.

"Give me my money back," said Thompson. "At least give me the portion to finish the job." 

Penrose Lumber Specialties has an 'F' rating for the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado. The BBB of Southern Colorado provides a list of tips for consumers when selecting a contractor.