HOMEWOOD, Ill. (WLS) — A local resident faced delays and frustration after paying $10,000 to a contractor for new windows, only to be left waiting.
However, thanks to the intervention of the ABC7 I-Team, this south suburban homeowner is now receiving brand new windows for his entire house.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Nearly a year has passed since the man paid more than half the total cost upfront, only to be subsequently ignored by the contractor. Seeking assistance from the I-Team has finally led to significant improvements in his Homewood residence.
Anthony Reed is now bidding farewell to the old, drafty windows that have been in place for over 35 years.
The installation of new windows will ensure a warmer environment for Reed’s grandfather, who is receiving hospice care at home at the age of 89.
“I am at peace, at ease,” Reed expressed.
Reed’s wait started in almost a year ago, December of 2024 when he signed a contract for $17,500. He paid $10,000 in cash upfront to Baam Pro Services LLC and its owner, Jaime Hernandez, for windows and a bathroom remodel. Neither one happened.
“You shouldn’t do people like that, especially seniors, if you’re not going to do business, if you’re not going to do things the way it should be done, don’t do it at all,” Reed said. “Don’t take advantage of people.”
So who is giving him new windows? It isn’t Hernandez. It’s a different company: Feldco.
The company saw the I-Team’s coverage of Reed’s dispute in September and then offered Reed new windows.
“Well, we’re just touched to be able to do it. This is a great family and they’re doing right by their grandpa,” Feldco spokesperson Dave Cook said. “And, you know, what we did is kind of come in and just make right for somebody wrong and that’s kind of what we try to do when possible.”
Feldco added that if Reed ever does get his $10,000 back from the contractor, he can keep it.
Hernandez told the I-Team in the first report on the story that the “customer will get refunded,” but that hasn’t happened yet.
ABC7 recently knocked on Hernandez’s listed business address, a home in Chicago Heights, to see if there was an update on that refund. The I-Team also texted and called, but never heard back.
In the I-Team’s first report, Hernandez also said that Reed had canceled the window order. He showed a February 2025 text from Reed that said, “I may cancel the windows all together.” But Reed says that wasn’t a cancellation.
“I didn’t even see it coming,” Reed said. “Let me just be honest. I didn’t even see this coming. So, I’m grateful. I’m grateful… Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. So. And I think my grandfather would be happy to. He’s happy, too.”
Reed recently filed a small claims lawsuit against Hernandez asking for a refund. Hernandez can officially respond to the case at the first court date in December.
