Created: 7/3/2009 5:18:13 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Lenora Curtis was desperate. The roof on her home was leaking and the ceiling was coming apart.
Curtis says knowing of her need, a relative introduced her to Stephen J. Turner and Top Notch Construction.
"He sounded good," says Curtis.
Curtis said Turner built her confidence in him by describing himself as a God fearing person.
"He said he was a Christian and I trusted him, " she added.
Now she knows that she made a mistake in judgement. Plus she says she broke her own rule: always check out references.
"Even if he was to come back I would not let him finish the job, I no longer trust him," says Curtis.
Turner's telephone is disconnected and there was no answer at his stated address in Murray Hill.
He has been convicted on unrelated charges, and according to state records he is not a licensed roofer.
Curtis has had to hire another roofer to finish the job, at a greater expense.
"I've learned my lesson," she said.
Ford Metal Roofing offered to help; that was before the company learned she had hired someone else.
Jay Maust, President of Ford says the message to consumers is simple.
"If it is a Roofer, Plumber, Electrician. Before you hire someone check their references, check for professional licenses and check to see if they have insurance," says Maust.
Curtis plans to file a contractor's fraud complaint with the State's Attorney's office.
There is a company called "A Top Notch Construction, LLC" listed in the Green Cove Springs area, but this is not the company Lenora Curtis hired to replace her roof.
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