What I have been a victim of is the section in the GHBA Residential Construction Contract that in essence allows the builder to promise anything to get the 'commencement fee' check with no interest or concern of ever fulfilling any provision of the contract. The contract clearly states that the 'fee' is non-refundable under any circumstances. In short if you pay me a small amount ($5000 in my case.) I may build you a house or I may just take your money and do nothing. The incentive of the builder must be to fulfill the contract not collect the deposit and burn his client.

Mr. Jokinen presented himself as a member in good standing with the GHBA and the fact that he used their contract in fact was a comforting factor. He took the money and in two weeks or so said he could not fulfill the contract and I was not due any refund. zip - nada.

The public looks at the GHBA as a badge of professionalism and quality.