The Canadian Kovinitch family reported significant financial losses after dealing with contractor Brandon Budrow, who has been accused of fraud. The house that began construction over three years ago is still incomplete, leaving the family living in difficult conditions and facing substantial financial burdens.

Case Details

Mother Germain and her daughter Lana moved from Ontario to New Brunswick in 2021 to build their dream home. The family divided the house into two apartments: one for Germain on the upper floor and another for Lana on the lower floor.

After hiring Budrow as the general contractor, the family sent him over $145,000 between January and June 2022. Despite the promising start, problems began to arise:

• Incomplete work: Cut electrical wires, uninstalled windows, and an unfinished kitchen.

• Fraud in purchases: Budrow claimed he bought appliances and building materials, but delivered nothing. He also sold the same appliances to other clients without delivering them.

• Financial claims from workers: Construction workers claimed they hadn't received their wages from Budrow, forcing the family to pay the amounts.

Legal Battle

After attempts to recover the money, the family faced legal and financial challenges.

• Partial refunds: The Budrow family began making slow compensation payments to the family, but it did not cover the full losses.

• Criminal charges: In October 2024, Budrow was charged with fraud over $5,000, with his trial set to begin in January 2026.

Warning to Others

Germain, who is now experiencing financial difficulties, stated, “I never expected to be in this situation. I want to warn others: be careful whom you trust.”

Conclusion

The Kovinitch family's case highlights the potential risks of dealing with construction contractors, emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting before signing any contracts.