Family Left Homeless After Costly Renovation Fraud

Devastating Impact Of Unsafe Home Renovations

Tonya Azevedo and her family of four are facing a housing crisis after a home renovation project in Amherstburg turned into a financial and structural nightmare. After spending $155,000 on an addition and garage, the family discovered that their home of 20 years had been rendered unlivable due to severe construction failures. The project, which was intended to expand the kitchen, master bedroom, and add a third bedroom and en suite bathroom, instead left the family displaced and heartbroken.

Investigations revealed a series of dangerous deficiencies. Azevedo discovered that dirt had been used to fill concrete blocks in the foundation of the new addition. Furthermore, live electrical wiring was found hidden under drywall, and a sewer pipe had been ruptured. The Town of Amherstburg eventually ordered a stop to all construction because the work failed to match approved drawings and contained multiple critical deficiencies. The building department specifically noted that the foundation mortar joints did not comply with the Ontario Building Code and the new foundation was not properly connected to the existing structure.

Legal Action And Contractor Response

Following a report filed with the Amherstburg detachment of the Windsor police, a warrant has been issued for the arrest of the contractor, Jessie Flaricee. He is wanted on charges including fraud over $5,000, uttering a forged document, and obtaining more than $5,000 under false pretenses. Police reports indicate that his company, MBS Home Solutions, was dissolved for non-compliance in November 2024.

In response to the allegations, Flaricee claimed that there was a communication breakdown and that he was fired without being given the opportunity to rectify the issues. He argued that the situation is more complex than it appears and denied any intent to defraud the family. While he claimed to be insured and that his bank account was under his business name, Azevedo maintains that Flaricee falsely represented himself as a fully licensed contractor.

The Human Cost Of Construction Fraud

The financial toll has been immense. Azevedo remortgaged her home to secure $200,000 for the project. Demolition and construction first began in March, when she provided an initial payment of $45,000 to get the project started. At that time, the family packed their belongings and moved out to allow the work to proceed. They moved back in by June, but the work stopped abruptly in August. Azevedo recalls refusing to provide more money at that stage because she did not feel comfortable doing so until the work matched the $155,000 already paid and the home was safe to inhabit.

After losing $155,000 to Flaricee, she spent the remainder of the loan simply attempting to undo and fix the unsafe work. The family is currently living with a relative, with Azevedo and her husband sleeping in a laundry room. The home currently lacks heat, functioning washrooms, and power in many areas. Azevedo noted that she asked for invoices and receipts to track where the money went, but she never received them.

Beyond the financial loss, the emotional impact has been severe. Azevedo’s 16-year-old son, who has autism, has lost his bedroom, which served as his safe space and sanctuary. The loss of this environment has taken a significant toll on his mental health. Azevedo expressed the trauma of seeing the home where she raised her children stripped away, stating that the family is not asking for the renovations to be finished, but simply to have their home back.

Advice For Homeowners

To prevent similar tragedies, experts suggest rigorous vetting of all contractors. The Better Business Bureau recommends that homeowners verify licenses directly with the issuing authority online and request at least three professional references. It is also advised to check the reputation of companies through official channels to see if there are existing complaints and how those disputes were resolved. In this case, the family had trusted the contractor because of a connection through the local youth football community, highlighting the danger of relying on personal acquaintances over professional verification.