C
urbio, a pre-sale home renovation company, has agreed to settle a consumer protection lawsuit for $7.5 million. The lawsuit was filed in Washington, D.C., and claimed that Curbio deceived homeowners with overpriced, substandard work that took longer than promised. The company targeted elderly homeowners with fixer-uppers, trapping them with deeds of trust or liens, making it difficult for them to sell their homes quickly.

    Curbio denies the allegations, stating they are baseless. Despite this, the company has agreed to pay $3.5 million in restitution and credits to nearly 200 homeowners in D.C., and an additional $4 million to the District of Columbia by 2025.

    To rectify its business practices nationally, Curbio will eliminate misleading marketing claims about risks, fees, speed of projects, vetting of contractors, or expected returns on investments. The company will also ensure consumers are aware of revenue-sharing agreements with real estate agents or brokerages. Curbio will provide a written contract with a detailed scope of work that can only be modified by written change orders signed by homeowners and Curbio. Lastly, the company will develop a binding dispute-resolution process to address any issues that may arise in the future.