COMPLAINT: Cathy Hayne, Bellevue, Wash.

"I hired Pray's Interior Design LLC of Woodinville, Wash. to install an outdoor patio roof with skylights and heaters; new exterior doors; a two-story addition with a library and an elevator; and an affordable dwelling unit with a kitchen, for my parents.

"The workmanship was very good. Unfortunately, [owner] Casey Pray closed his business without notice. He left many subcontractors unpaid for as much as $40,000. I am now paying out of pocket to have this job finished. I have suppliers threatening to place liens on my home."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I want Casey Pray to pay his subcontractors, employees and suppliers. I also want to be reimbursed the out of pocket expenses I have incurred to complete this project."

STATUS: Penalty Box

Editor's note on April complaint

Tim Fike, co-owner of Seattle Paint & Drywall, recently wrote us about member Maria Tober's complaint, published in the April issue of this magazine. The case ended in Stalemate - meaning Seattle Paint & Drywall responded to Tober's complaint but didn't resolve issues to her satisfaction.

However, Fike says several members have misinterpreted the outcome of the case, telling him they believe his company is in The Penalty Box when, in fact, it's not.

Fike's experience caused us to take several steps to improve and clarify our presentation of Complaint Resolution cases in this magazine and on our website. We also encourage you to review Tober's report, Fike's response and the other reports on his company profile before making your hiring decisions.

New to the Seattle Penalty Box

Fence Consultants of Washington

Pray's Interior Design LLC

Economy Sheet Metal & Heating

Michael's Custom Landscaping