Unlicensed contractor accused of failing to finish work

An Orleans Parish woman is suing contractors she says failed to properly repair her hurricane-damaged home.

Inez Barnes filed suit against Edward Hollingsled, doing business as Shakur Renovations, and Emanuel Parker, doing business as Emanuel's Home Improvement, May 25 in Orleans Parish District Court.

Barnes says Hurricane Katrina caused substantial damage to her home on Pauline Street, so she hired Emanuel Parker's Home Improvement company to repair the interior and exterior of the house. According to their contract, Barnes advanced Parker $65,000 for labor and materials before work began. Barnes says Parker has not completed the repairs he agreed to make and has not returned the money.

According to the complaint, Parker is not licensed to perform construction work either by the state of Louisiana or by the city of New Orleans. Barnes argues that Parker misrepresented himself as a duly qualified, licensed and insured contractor authorized to perform the work at her home. Barnes claims Parker used an occupational license issued to Edward Hollingsled, doing business as Shakur Renovations, in order to perform the work. Barnes says this act was committed with Hollingsled's knowledge and approval.

Barnes argues the work performed by Parker is defective and has caused additional damage to her home. Further, Barnes says Parker failed to obtain the proper inspections, forcing the homeowner to incur additional expenses to remedy the defects and obtain the needed inspections.

The lawsuit is asking for a judgment for all amounts due under the premises, including all court costs, penalties, attorney's fees and legal interest.

Metairie attorneys Joseph S. Piacun, Thomas A. Gennusa, II and Reid S. Uzee of Gennusa Piacun & Ruli are representing Barnes.

Judge Ethel S. Julien is assigned to the case.

Case No. 10-5282