Press Release from Idaho Attorney General’s Office
Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced a settlement with Coeur d’Alene contractor Connell (Neal) R. Foster and his company, Prime Builders, for deceptive construction-related business practices that resulted in substantial consumer losses.
Foster has agreed to cease all advertising, negotiating, or entering into construction-related contracts with Idaho consumers unless he does so as an employee acting under the direction of a supervisor or third-party who is directly responsible for his actions. The settlement also prohibits Foster from engaging in construction business under the name of his spouse, Monica R. Foster.
“This case is a reminder that Idaho contractors must be held to high standards of honesty and accountability,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Our office will continue to take decisive action against those who take advantage of Idaho families through fraud or deception.”
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division received seven complaints against Foster, with consumers alleging losses totaling more than $325,000. Under the business registration of his spouse, Foster operated Prime Builders from Mullan, Idaho, and conducted construction work in both Idaho and Washington. Consumers reported that Prime Builders accepted payments for home additions, decks, sheds, and other structures—many of which were never delivered, only partially completed, or refunded.
The court approved the settlement on March 6, 2025. Foster is required to begin making restitution payments to affected consumers within 30 days. He has agreed to a court-approved payment plan that will remain in effect until the restitution is paid in full.
Attorney General Labrador urges consumers seeking a contractor’s services, please utilize these tips to avoid fraudulent business practices:
- Read the Contractor’s business profile on the Better Business Bureau’s Website, paying particular attention to any unresolved complaints, its rating, and the business’s responses provided to the Better Business Bureau.
- Check with the Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) at Welcome to Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses for any information regarding the Contractor and its business practices within the State of Idaho.
- Review Idaho Code § 48-525 to understand what information a contractor is required to disclose.
- Verify the contractor has liability and worker’s compensation insurance to avoid liability for work-related injuries and the contractor’s recklessness or negligence.
- If possible, obtain a surety bond, title insurance, and a lien waiver to cover potential losses, loss of title, and to prevent lienholders placing liens on the project for nonpayment.
Consumers who incurred losses because of Foster’s construction practices may file consumer complaints with the Consumer Protection Division. A complaint form is available here.
