[MnM]

So I had some house work completed.

Some issues about the work:

-It was not done prof.
-things said were going to be done were not done
-Property damage upon installation
-other property damaged hiden by the contractors product.

So the contractor wants the balance due and i just got so pissed because they did the job shitty and caused damage that has yet to be fixed properly. I don't wanna pay them. I still have to get a complete estimate on the damage, but what about the damage that is hiden/covered by the product?

Any thoughts? Should I be worried?

I am betting the cost to fix the damage will come close to the amount owed, but how to I argue the fact about the damage that was covered up by is product he installed?

Thanks

[highsider]

Dont pay him the balance; get a trespass order against him for your property. Then, sue him for the damage done in small claims court.

He could theoretically get an attachment on your home, barring you from selling or refinancing until the legal matter is settled. But, you would be amazed at how one-sided the law is for consumers.

Bottom line - if he did the work poorly, and caused more damage than he repaired, dotn pay him.

[Josephd14]

Like Highsider said, Act first, strike first blood, don't let him screw you down the road.. Maybe even talk to a lawyer.. I'm sure one will give you some tips for free..

[Stoneman]

Did you point out the damage & problems to them as soon as you noticed it?

[beet]

Originally posted by highsider
Dont pay him the balance; get a trespass order against him for your property. Then, sue him for the damage done in small claims court.

He could theoretically get an attachment on your home, barring you from selling or refinancing until the legal matter is settled. But, you would be amazed at how one-sided the law is for consumers.

Bottom line - if he did the work poorly, and caused more damage than he repaired, don't pay him.

MT got it right + get a new guy to put a price on the repairs fast .
I fixed your dont

[dhuze]

You have to allow them to fix the problems first.

You do not have to pay him until all work is complete and in a proffesional manor.

Was the work that was not done written on the contract? You do have a contract right?

All contractors are required by law to warranty all work for 1 year.

I would not allow them to work at my house at this point without someone there to keep ann eye on them either.

[Manny]

send letters to him so its all documented. Tell him what needs to be repaired and get a prog quote for what it will cost to have it done right.

document as much communication as possible if you are possibly going to sue.

[MnM]

I created a letter explaining my experience with them. I just have to wait for a contractors quote for the property damage. I figured they would wave the balance due for all the issues that were caused. It turns out they are trying to nickel and dime me for extra money on top of the balance due.

I told them I won't pay until I know exactly how much it will be to fix the damage. Also since they are saying I owe more than I should I informed them if damage costs are greater, then I am going to charge them.

It will be interesting how they will reply.

[dhuze]

Did you sign any change orders? If not did you agree to the changes they are trying to charge you for? If you didn't agree or sign any change orders they can't legally bill you for any extra work.

[MnM]

The only thing i signed was the original estimate. It had all original pricing. Basically I was going to give more work to the contractor but after the problems I went with someone else for the remainder of the jobs (sorry this is vague I just don't want to use details until I figure it out).

So the contractor is basically saying because he did not get the remainder of the jobs, that he cannot give me the original discounted price )on the original invoice that we agreed to). Which is rediculouse because he did not give me a deal for getting more work, they gave me discounted price because I recieved a cheaper rate and he was trying to match that rate. So I find it funny that the contractor is trying to add $$ here and there and thinks I am going to agree to it.

I am sticking to the figures in the original estimate. How can someone give someone an estimate and agree on a price and then change the price at a later date because things did not go as planned?

[richw]

All communications in

Certified Mail Return receipt

Make a folder a staple the receipts to it.

Give him an opportunity and time window to make it right.

Don't pay him and be prepared to be sent to collections and get the phone calls at night.

If you come to some intermediate dollar agreement no pay unless you have a signed release that this payment settles ALL matters between the parties from the beginning of time until that exact moment.

[hessogood]

[Cue Ball]

Go an mass.gov and do some research on MGL 93A which pertains to unfair business practices in the Commonwealth, find teh section that best relates to your dilema and then write a letter to the contractor siting said law and what your demand for relief is, send it certified mail. He has 30 days to respond to your demand, if not you can take him to court and he will be subject to paying double or triple your damages.

Also, contact the media, they usually have consumer hot lines.