Homeowners are scrambling for answers after the abrupt closure of Columbia-based Maryland Pools contracting company earlier this month that left many pool construction projects unfinished.
According to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the Maryland Home Improvement Commission suspended Maryland Pools' license on June 9.
"We heard about [the closure] on June 5," MDLLR public information officer Maureen O'Connor said Friday. "Apparently, they had brought in their employees and said they were closing down."
Although she is unsure why the company closed, O'Connor said recent discussions with Maryland Pools had ensured "everything was fine and that they would fulfill the contracts in the community." Now, the department is investigating 11 homeowner complaints in seven Maryland jurisdictions.
"We have had several written complaints from customers," O'Connor said. "The important thing is that because Maryland Pools was licensed by the MHIC and in good standing with the state, there's a chance that the homeowners who hired them, if they go through the complaint process, could receive some refunds."
O'Connor said the Maryland Home Improvement Commission is working with homeowners to resolve the rising number of complaints.
"We're here to look into and investigate their complaints against a contractor who abruptly stopped his job," she said. "We hope to come out on the other with some sort of restitution."
Maryland Pools could not be reached for comment.
To file a complaint, contact MHIC at 410-230-6182 or go to http://www.dolr.state.md.us/license/mhic.