POST FALLS, Idaho – A couple from Post Falls has shared their unfortunate experience with a local contractor, Dale Groth, who they say disappeared after taking a significant sum of money for a construction project.
In August 2022, the Hills entrusted Groth with building a shop on family property. They felt confident in their choice, as friends and neighbors had previously hired him.
“We basically told him this is family property that Mike inherited,” they said. They wanted the project completed, especially after Mike’s ALS diagnosis in October 2022.
Mike expressed his desire to see the shop finished, stating, “I wanted to see it finished before I die.”
The Hills paid Groth $30,000 upfront, followed by an additional $120,000 in 2023, believing they were supporting a local contractor. However, their concerns grew when they discovered no lumber order had been placed
“We called him every week. I called him, never got ahold of him,” they said.
By spring 2024, Groth made one final appearance with a small crew, but then communication ceased entirely.
“Used, abused and totally disregarded,” Mike, a veteran, shared his feelings of betrayal.
The Hills, who invested a total of $285,000, are left with an incomplete project.
An investigator with Idaho’s Department of Professional and Occupational Licensing confirmed that they are looking into the matter. Cases like this can take time, and complaints remain confidential until formal discipline is issued.
The Hills hope their story serves as a cautionary tale for others hiring contractors. Despite reaching out, Dale Groth has not responded for comment.
