The Hunsaker family moved from California to Blanchard, Oklahoma, to renovate a home and build a shop with living quarters. They paid more than $20,000 up front and say total payments approached $70,000, but the completed work failed city inspection and the contractor stopped responding. The situation forced two loans, left the family struggling financially, and prompted a police report forwarded to the District Attorney. Another contractor is now repairing the work at his own expense while authorities review the case.
Oklahoma Family Says Contractor Took Nearly $70K, Project Failed Inspection and Left Them in Debt
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An Oklahoma family says they paid a contractor nearly $70,000 for major work on their home and a new shop with living quarters — but the job failed city inspection and the contractor stopped returning to the site, leaving the family financially and emotionally strained, according to KFOR.
Background: Tanya Hunsaker and her husband moved from California to Blanchard, Oklahoma, with their five adopted children to renovate a house and add a shop with living space. They hired Julian Collins of JC Construction and paid more than $20,000 up front to begin the shop project; they say total payments approached $70,000.
Allegations From the Homeowners: Hunsaker says Collins initially inspired confidence with detailed explanations and regular updates, but relatives checking on the property reported that progress did not match those updates. She says Collins eventually stopped showing up and that the completed work failed a city inspection. The family says the fallout forced them to take out two loans, kept the husband working in California to try to pay them off, and left Hunsaker struggling to cover day-to-day expenses.
"I have 300 and something dollars in my account. I'm out of money," Hunsaker said. "It's hard, extremely hard, not being able to sleep at night. I was begging him to just do the right thing."
Contractor's Response: Collins disputed Hunsaker's account, telling KFOR he believed the job was finished and that materials such as metal had been purchased. He said homeowners ultimately hired another company because the work was running behind schedule. Collins told reporters this was the first complaint he had received.
Official Actions: A City of Blanchard official confirmed the family filed a police report. The report was forwarded to the District Attorney, which in turn recommended the matter to the state. As of the reporting, the State Attorney General's Office had not confirmed receipt of that referral. Hunsaker also said other people have contacted her describing similar experiences with Collins.
Efforts to Complete the Work: To salvage the project, Guss Elyassir of Guss Construction and Remodeling stepped in and told KFOR he is finishing the job at his own expense. Elyassir said the earlier work contained major problems that must be corrected — including cutting concrete, repairing plumbing and addressing floor finishes — and that these issues have increased the scope of the repairs.
"We cut a lot of concrete and started to fix all the plumbing. But this is not right, and then the finish of the floors," Elyassir said. "I mean, nothing is impossible. I love this. I love making people's dreams come true."
Context: Homeowners facing similar situations can encounter substandard work, surprise costs and long delays. This family's story highlights the financial and emotional toll when a major renovation fails inspection and accountability is unclear. Consumers are advised to check contractor licenses, request written contracts and lien waivers, document work and payments, and consult local authorities or legal counsel when problems arise.
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