Unfinished Dreams: How a Los Angeles Construction Firm Betrayed Homeowners' Trust

In the bustling neighborhoods of Southern California, homeowners seeking to expand their living spaces turned to Next Generation Builders, a construction company that promised to transform their homes with the addition of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). However, the dreams of these homeowners quickly turned to nightmares as the company abandoned project after project, leaving families with unfinished homes and depleted savings.

Shattered Expectations: Homeowners Victimized by a Construction Firm's Deception

Aracely Reyes: A Caregiver's Heartbreak

Aracely Reyes, a devoted caregiver to her 88-year-old mother, sought to create a more comfortable living situation by hiring Next Generation Builders to convert her Whittier garage into an ADU. Excited at the prospect of providing her aging mother with a safe and accessible space, Reyes entrusted the company with her family's savings, paying them ,000 – just ,000short of the total contracted amount. However, her trust was betrayed as the workers abandoned the project after completing only the framing, pouring the concrete floor, and installing rough plumbing. "It was my family's savings. My account is zero. I have nothing. They took all of it," lamented Reyes, who now finds her mother sleeping in the family's living room, unable to use the unfinished and abandoned ADU.

Lily Rodriguez: A Dream Turned Nightmare

Twenty miles away, in East Los Angeles, Lily Rodriguez faced a similar predicament. Eager to build a two-story ADU, she paid Next Generation Builders the nearly the entire project cost of 0,000. However, the workers abandoned the project long before its completion, leaving Rodriguez with an unfinished structure and a depleted bank account."I think these people are in it for money. They're doing it just to see how far they can go and how many people they can get money from," Rodriguez said, her frustration evident.

A Pattern of Betrayal

The stories of Aracely Reyes and Lily Rodriguez are not isolated incidents. The I-Team investigation uncovered numerous other homeowners throughout Southern California who have fallen victim to Next Generation Builders' deceptive practices, finding themselves thousands of dollars out of pocket with little to show for their investment.Attempts to reach the company's leadership, including CEO Angelina Gorbaseva and former CEO Esteban Araya, were met with evasion and accusations of defamation. The company's website has since been taken down, though a new one has emerged that links back to their Instagram page, further adding to the confusion and mistrust surrounding the firm.

Regulatory Failures and Homeowners' Struggles

The homeowners affected by Next Generation Builders' misconduct have sought recourse through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), filing complaints about the company's actions. However, the I-Team's investigation revealed that none of these complaints were initially visible on the CSLB's website, raising concerns about the board's responsiveness and transparency.After the I-Team's inquiries, the CSLB finally posted the complaints and suspended the company's license due to an expired bond. But for many homeowners, these actions have come too late, leaving them to scramble to find the funds to complete their unfinished projects, often turning to credit cards and depleting their personal savings."I'm going to have to use my credit cards. There's no other way. Those people took my savings," said Reyes, reflecting the frustration and financial strain endured by the victims of Next Generation Builders' deception.

Lessons Learned and Cautionary Tales

The experiences of Aracely Reyes, Lily Rodriguez, and countless others serve as cautionary tales, underscoring the importance of due diligence when hiring construction companies. Homeowners should thoroughly research contractors, verify their licensing and credentials, and exercise caution when making upfront payments, as per the guidelines set by the CSLB.The collapse of the homeowners' dreams at the hands of Next Generation Builders highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability within the construction industry, ensuring that homeowners' trust and investments are protected. As these victims work to salvage their projects, their stories serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unscrupulous practices, urging others to be vigilant in their search for reliable and trustworthy construction partners.