HOMEWOOD (WLS) — Chicago-area homeowners told the ABC7 I-Team they were ghosted by a contractor after handing over $10,000 for new windows and other work in their home.

They say they were left out in the cold and stuck with old, drafty windows. It happened after they said the contractor took their money and then disappeared. The contractor told the I-Team he will issue a refund, but also blames the customer.

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South suburban Homewood resident Anthony Reed says he and his grandfather thought they were hiring someone who would improve their home and quality of life.

“You got that mold and stuff down here and they don’t open anymore so he was going to replace all of these and take all of this out… I need all new windows,” Reed said. “They all need to be replaced, and the wood is even old.”

Reed’s grandfather’s bed is by the drafty windows which are awaiting replacement. The 89-year-old man is in hospice care and being treated at home.

“We found the contractor through a family friend,” Reed said. “He was supposed to replace the 22 windows in the house.”

Reed signed a contract in December 2024 for $17,500 and paid $10,000 in cash, upfront to Baam Pro Services LLC and its owner, Jaime Hernandez.

“10,000 dollars, that’s not chump change,” Reed said. “[I got] absolutely nothing. Nothing but headaches trouble heart aches and pain.”

The contract was for new windows throughout the home and an upstairs bathroom remodel, primarily to expand the shower for Reed’s grandfather. He says he thought the contractor was “on it,” shortly after paying the December deposit.

“He said, ‘I’m going to get to you. I’m coming. I’m coming,'” Reed said. “He came twice, did some measurements again, and then didn’t hear anything since… Nothing, not another word, not anything. Then, I kept calling and texting.”

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Now, about nine months later, Reed is still waiting. He filed a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General.

“I don’t even want him to do the work. Just give us the money back,” Reed said. “We will get someone else… We’re done.”

The owner of Baam Pro Services LLC blames the consumer for not being patient. He says Reed canceled the order in February and showed the I-Team a text from Reed that said, “I may cancel the windows all together.”

But Reed says that wasn’t a cancelation and that he only said he “may” cancel after being frustrated and waiting eight weeks for answers.

The contractor, Jaime Hernandez, also told the I-Team on the phone that the “customer will get refunded” despite Hernandez having to cover what he called a restocking fee for the windows.

Reed says he’s still waiting for answers or a refund.

“Do the right thing,” Reed said. “If you can’t do the work, let us know. Give us money back, but don’t just ignore us.”

Consumer advocates say those who are hiring a contractor should never pay more than one-third upfront and try to use a credit card so the charges can be disputed if work doesn’t get done.

Always research online before handing over any money.