Post by: Norton on April 24, 2005, 02:42:18 PM
They had a brick patio put in behind the house that amounted to around $6500 worth of labor and materials. There was already a small concrete pad there that was much smaller than the planned patio.
Hubby asked if they were going to jackhammer out the concrete and the contractor said that he wouldn't, but would lay the bricks on top of it and then grade everything else so that the other bricks would match up.
Bottom line is that hubby and wife aren't happy and told the guy so. He knocked off $1000 and told them that he would make good on it.
The wife is tweaking over the whole thing and stopped the check for the balance of the work. I told her that this is a decidedly bad idea because it is going to lead to a mechanic's lien on the house.
My suggestions:
1. Give him an opportunity to make good on it
2. "Unstop" the check
3. Keep a log of all conversations and then follow up with letters of understanding via certified mail.
4. If no satisfaction....call the county consumer protection division and file for arbitration.
5. Go to court.
Oh, did I mention that he's apparently not a licensed contractor?
Any thoughts?
Post by: Nathaniel Firethorn on April 24, 2005, 02:59:46 PM
- NF
Post by: Standing Wolf on April 24, 2005, 05:06:57 PM
It, ah... is going to be inspected, right? If not, the home owner may find himself with a problem when he tries to sell the house.
Post by: cfabe on April 24, 2005, 05:27:11 PM
Post by: DJJ on April 24, 2005, 05:52:40 PM
Quote from: Nathaniel Firethorn
If he's not licensed, how can he get a mechanic's lien?
- NF
He can't. This very issue has been through the courts already. Not only can't he get a mechanic's lien on the house, he doesn't even have legal grounds to collect the money owed him. The courts have ruled that, like a minor, an unlicensed "contractor" cannot enter into a "contract" for such services. It also happpens to be a crime on his part to do so.- NF
Tell them to find a good construction contract lawyer and sic him on the "contractor". If he's really not licensed, they're in very good shape.
Post by: Norton on April 25, 2005, 01:19:29 AM
Thanks for pointing out the circular logic there
I mentioned that to the hubby if the guy is unlicensed to tell him that he's going to drop a dime on him and report him for working without a license.
cfabe,
In our part of the world (Central MD) you have to have a permit for everything, even changing the gutters on your house (I didn't ask the couple of they got a permit, if no....another red flag). About the only thing that you can do is paint without a permit.
DJJ,
I'll talk to them again today and see if I can convince them to get an attorney. I just hope that he doesn't cost them too much more for his services.
Post by: Guest on April 26, 2005, 09:19:58 PM
Post by: Norton on April 27, 2005, 02:01:19 PM
The guy was there first thing Tuesday morning and fixed it to everyone's satisfaction.
Post by: P95Carry on April 27, 2005, 02:20:38 PM
Paul - in MD - do you need permits, inspection etc - to wash your car!!?? OK - J/K but - heck - sure sounds like ''inpector's paradise''! LOL
Post by: crownvic on April 28, 2005, 05:41:59 AM
Post by: Werewolf on April 28, 2005, 09:22:08 AM
Quote
P95, it is a inspectors paradise and a private citizen's hell.
But if you asked those same private citizens if they were FREE I'd bet that 95% of 'em would say YES and wonder why you asked...
Post by: grampster on April 28, 2005, 03:04:01 PM