Almost 30 homeowners have come forward with complaints against Nathan Gividen of Senoia, purported owner of Southern Oaks Construction, who was charged with Felony Theft by Deception earlier this year.

In April 2024, Gividen claimed to be a licensed contractor with the State of Georgia, capable of obtaining a building permit for a Senoia homeowner. However, upon receiving $17,100 deposit, Gividen never built the detached garage and failed to return the funds. 

The homeowner filed a complaint with the Senoia Police Department in April 2025. Upon investigation, the SPD discovered that Givigend’s contractor license expired in 2012, his business license was revoked in 2018 and the Southern Oaks Construction LCC was dissolved in 2016.

Without these credentials, Gividen could not have obtained a building permit from the City of Senoia. 

Gividen turned himself in to the SPD on July 31 and is now out on bond. 

Since his arrest, 29 homeowners have made complaints to the SPD about their experiences working with Gividen. Though complaints varied, many followed a similar pattern. 

They reported that Gividen required a down payment up front to start work. Then, before completing, he asked for more payment to continue. Most of the construction jobs were left unfinished despite receiving payment.

Other victims had issues with the quality of their repairs. 

“He even approached a handful of my victims requesting personal loans,” said Senoia Police Cpt. Jason Ercole.

Ercole said homeowners with suspicions should do their homework when working with contractors and verify their professional credentials. 

Many people mistakenly assume that having a business license means an individual has the proper credentials, Ercole said. It’s important to check for both. 

Often, contractors asking for payment upfront can be a red flag, Ercole added. 

The SPD also advised homeowners to stay in contact with subcontractors throughout a project. Gividen allegedly failed to pay his subcontractors, who then have the power to put a lien on the homeowner’s property.

Anyone who feels they have been victimized by Gividen should contact Ercole at (770) 599-3256, Ext. 107.

For those looking to confirm business licenses and professional credentials, visit the Secretary of State’s website:

https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/businesssearch

https://verify.sos.ga.gov/verification/Search.aspx