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Prince George’s County Circuit Court Judge Krystal Q. Alves affirmed a Final Order against Finish Werks Corp., Finish Werks Custom Builders, Inc., and their owner, William Karl “Harris” Woodward, for violations impacting families in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Montgomery counties, according to Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown.
The companies committed more than 800 violations of Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, Custom Home Protection Act, and New Home Deposits Act, taking over $1 million in deposits and progress payments from consumers but failing to complete homes, address defects, pay subcontractors, or safeguard consumer funds, officials said.
Instead, the companies misused the money for personal expenses unrelated to home construction. Contracts with consumers also lacked legally required disclosures and notices.
"Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments a person can make," Attorney General Anthony Brown said. "Maryland families should be able to trust that businesses will honor that investment by delivering safe, secure homes.
"My office is committed to holding companies accountable and ensuring that Marylanders' hard-earned money is not taken without the promise of a home being fulfilled."
The Final Order requires Woodward and his companies to:
- Cease all unlawful practices;
- Post a $700,000 performance bond before acting as home builders in Maryland again;
- Pay $720,000 in restitution and economic damages;
- Pay $235,500 in civil penalties.
Additional cases regarding losses tied to the Finish Werks companies are pending in Prince George’s County Circuit Court, with hearings scheduled for later this month and January 2025.
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