Board finds contractor guilty on two counts after homeowner alleges defective new house, retaliatory lien

The Walton County Builders Board voted to find contractor Justin Hammond guilty on two counts following testimony by homeowner Crystal Orlando, who said she paid Hammond for a turnkey single-family house but received a range of defects and unpaid subcontractors.

Orlando told the board she contracted Hammond on Dec. 6, 2023, for a $344,500 build and said she and her partner had paid the contract in full by mid‑2024, plus approximately $10,050 advanced for air-conditioning units and $1,500 for materials. "He sent us this invoice," Orlando testified about a Dec. 31, 2024 lien, "and in retaliation he filed a lien against our home for almost $70,000 of what he claims were change orders that never took place." She described windows that do not open properly, missing or rusting flashing, and roof and plumbing issues discovered by a private inspection she had done Dec. 26, 2024. "He does not have the money to do these jobs," Orlando said. "He has dug himself a hole."

The board’s nut graf: after reviewing the case packet and oral testimony, the Builders Board found Hammond in violation for Count 1 (mismanagement/misconduct causing financial harm) and Count 2 (fraud or deceit in contracting). The board cited documentary evidence included in the packet—checks, a notice of lien and a private inspection report—and testimony from the homeowner and counsel.

Several subcontractors were discussed in testimony. Orlando said Xcel Electric was owed roughly $20,000 and that other vendors (glass, pressure-washing, drywall and metalwork) contacted her about unpaid invoices; she told the board some subcontractors worked while she and her husband personally assisted to avoid liens. Counsel for Hammond acknowledged the lien filing and said the lien amount reflected work and change orders the contractor contends were performed but that signed, written change orders were not always present.

Board action and penalties: the board found Hammond guilty on Counts 1 and 2. For Count 1 the board ordered $5,000 in restitution to Crystal Orlando, payable within 30 days; if not paid the board will suspend Hammond’s certificate. For Count 2 the board ordered an additional $5,000 restitution, payable within 60 days, with an additional one‑year suspension if unpaid; the board specified the suspensions would run consecutively to other enforcement actions. The board instructed Orlando to provide proof of payment to Walton County staff, who will track compliance and return findings to the board.

Ending: Board members said the discipline is intended to make the consumer whole where possible and to give the contractor an opportunity to resolve the debts. The board directed staff to prepare a written order reflecting the two restitution decisions and the enforcement timeline.