Consumer Advisory:
Summit Roofing & Contracting (Schuylkill Haven, PA)
Contractual Fraud, Misrepresentation, and Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act Violations
Documented Example of “Finished Work”
Summit Roofing & Contracting, operated by Skyler Shistle in Schuylkill County, PA, has been associated with allegations of contractual fraud, misrepresentation, and violations of the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA).
How Pennsylvania Law Protects Homeowners
Pennsylvania provides strong legal protection for homeowners through two major statutes:
- Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) – 73 P.S. § 517.8
- Theft by Deception – 18 Pa.C.S. § 3922
1. Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA)
HICPA exists to prevent fraud, misrepresentation, and dishonest contracting practices.
How HICPA protects consumers:
- Contractor registration required – Contractors must be registered with the PA Attorney General.
- Written contracts required – Work must be clearly described with costs, materials, and timelines.
- Makes misrepresentation illegal – Contractors may not lie about completed work, licensing, or materials.
- Bans deceptive omissions – Contractors cannot hide defects or reuse damaged materials.
- Provides strong remedies – Victims may recover restitution, treble damages, attorney fees, and costs.
2. Theft by Deception (18 Pa.C.S. § 3922)
Theft by deception is a criminal offense that applies when a contractor takes money through lies, concealment, or false promises.
This statute protects consumers by making it illegal for a contractor to:
- Take payment knowing the work will not be completed
- Claim repairs were done when they were not
- Conceal defects or structural damage
- Reuse old or damaged materials when new materials were contracted
- Falsely present themselves as a licensed or insured business
Violations may result in criminal penalties and support civil claims against the contractor.
Why These Laws Matter
Roofing fraud can lead to:
- Severe water intrusion
- Structural damage and rot
- Mold growth
- Thousands of dollars in repair costs
- Safety hazards for the homeowner
HICPA and Theft by Deception laws are designed to prevent these harms and hold contractors accountable when they deceive, misrepresent, or fail to perform contracted work.
Consumer Advice
- Verify contractor registration with the PA Attorney General
- Request proof of insurance
- Ensure the contract contains all required terms
- Document all work with photos, texts, and invoices
- Seek legal assistance if fraud or misrepresentation occurs