Problem Solvers: Lawsuit, lien, and customer accusations after local roofing company goes silent

(Update: adding comments from homeowner, BBB)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Central Oregon homeowner says he paid thousands in a deposit for a new roof, but after the charge went through, communication with the contractor stopped — prompting a credit card dispute and raising broader concerns about consumer protection. 

Martin Stadtmueller told KTVZ News he was searching for a roofing company and gathered multiple estimates before selecting 541 Roofing. 

“I got estimates from several roofers, talked to a couple of them, narrowed it down to three, and then ultimately went with 541 Roofing,” Stadtmueller said.  “Seemed like they had a pretty good warranty. I talked to the owner, Eric Levens, and they were going to do all the permitting through Sunriver.” 

Stadtmueller said he paid an $8,500 deposit in mid-May using a credit card. He said after the payment was processed, communication from the company stopped. 

“After a couple of weeks, I sent a text to the office manager who had been communicating prior, just checking in, seeing where they’re at — and nothing came back,” he said. 

He said repeated calls to multiple phone numbers associated with the business went unanswered. 

“I called the office numerous times, every number I had for them, and the office phone just rang forever,” he said. 

Stadtmueller said he has since disputed the charge with his credit card company and received a temporary refund while the claim is investigated. 

He said he did not see obvious red flags before hiring the company. 

“I had done my due diligence and checked for complaints on the Construction Contractors Board and everything else. There were no complaints at the time,” he said. “I had no reason, really, to doubt that they were just going to put on a roof.” 

KTVZ News visited the company’s listed Bend headquarters, where the office appeared closed. The Problem Solvers also called and emailed 541 Roofing multiple times requesting comment but have not received a response. 

Public records show 541 Brand LLC, doing business as 541 Roofing and Heating Coil, is named in a civil lawsuit filed by SRS Distribution. In the complaint, SRS alleges the company and owner Eric Levens owes more than $152,000 for materials, supplies, and equipment. 

Separate records show a court judgment totaling more than $52,000 against Levens and his business, along with a federal tax lien of approximately $129,000. 

These claims are allegations contained in court filings and have not been independently proven in this report. 

While the Better Business Bureau said it could not comment on this specific case, it offered general guidance for consumers dealing with unresponsive contractors. 

“Reach out to the business. But again, if they’re ghosting, you reach out to other people,” said Cameron Nakashima with the BBB. “Report it to the Better Business Bureau, the Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission if applicable, and then your local authorities.” 

Nakashima said protection often starts before hiring a contractor, including comparing multiple quotes, reviewing contract terms, avoiding cash payments when possible, and checking complaint histories and licensing status. 

Stadtmueller said using a credit card may improve his chances of recovering his money, but he worries about others who may not have that option. 

“I feel bad for folks that didn’t pay with a credit card and that have lost their money,” he said. “It’s unfortunate for everybody involved. I wish Eric had been a little more upfront when he started taking deposits. If he can’t do a good job, don’t take a deposit.” 

KTVZ News has contacted local law enforcement and the Oregon Attorney General’s Office regarding the allegations and is awaiting responses. 

541 Roofing and owner Eric Levens have not responded to multiple requests for comment. This story will be updated if a response is received.