Volunteers step up to help family whose house was left unfinished by local contractor

SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A South Fayette Township couple allegedly swindled by a contractor is getting back on their feet.

Friday, a group of volunteers is paying it forward, donating the materials and labor needed to finish the $70,000 dollars worth of work police say that builder left undone.

As we’ve learned, this isn’t his first time.

>> Contractor facing charges in 2 counties for incomplete work

The sound of nail guns and hammers and the bustle of a team of builders is music to the ears of Lauren and Brandon Curtis.

“Today we’re getting a very Merry Christmas present from our attorney and all the people behind us helping,” Lauren said.

This marks what could be the beginning of the end of a nightmare for the family. For more than two years, they’ve been battling to get improvements done to their home after contracting with a man police say had no intention of finishing the job he started.

>> Additional charges filed against local contractor accused of not completing work

Police say contractor John McDonald had been taking money from clients and doing little to no home improvement work.

Lauren and Brandon say Mcdonald left them with piles of debris, an empty hole in their yard and a huge problem with their home that got worse in January of 2023.

“The temperature rose, ground thawed and all of the foundation started to collapse into the footer. From that point on, we had no communication with him,” Brandon said.

>> PA Attorney General files lawsuit against local contractor accused of not completing work

McDonald also faces charges in Beaver and Washington counties for allegedly operating in a similar way: taking money from customers and not finishing the work.

“He would con individuals to pay in advance. He would get a little bit of work done so it wouldn’t be a criminal matter. That was his mode of operation,” attorney Fred Liechti said.

>> Contractor facing charges in 2 counties for incomplete work

Liechti not only represents the Curtis family, he also coordinated today’s volunteer response, reaching out to local builders.

“We went around and asked our group who wouldn’t want to help this family. We went around and we’re doing it now,” volunteer Eric Demeri said.

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