Errors made in out building..

Is there a question here someplace?
Without a picture of what you think is wrong it's hard to help.

Question? ss you don't understand...Where can I get someone to finish the screw up job the last contractor left? ok now it's a question and for sure I don't want another person like the last one

quote:

Originally posted by GllntKnight:
Question? ss you don't understand...Where can I get someone to finish the screw up job the last contractor left? ok now it's a question and for sure I don't want another person like the last one

What ARE the specific errors? What was the contractor hired to do? What was the scope of the project and what wasn't done properly? Is it a structural issue with the outbuilding, an exterior issue, a cosmetic one? Is the building leaking? Settling? Was it not constructed to code?

Did you pay the last contractor in full? Did you sign partial and/or a full waiver of lien? Did you have a written contract or was it just verbal? Did you file a complaint with the BBB or with your state's contractor goverining board?

You'll have to state your questions more specifically if you want answers.

numerous errors, various, structural and yes leaking, yes had contract, BBB won't do anything but record the complaint same with the state.

quote:

Originally posted by GllntKnight:
numerous errors, various, structural and yes leaking, yes had contract, BBB won't do anything but record the complaint same with the state.

BBB in my experience does not act as an arbiter, but it does keep records of complaints against companies as I've checked out some of these complaints in the past when I investigated a contractor.

You don't indicate what state you live in. In Michigan and some other states of which I'm aware, the state has agencies which require licensing of contractors for certain projects, such as roofing. Complaints can be filed with these agencies. Although the agencies may not have the authority to intercede and create solutions, their records do reflect complaints filed against contractors. Many people don't bother to take this step and thus bad contractors may be able to get away with bad work.

For better or for worse, the individual is primarily responsible for selecting the contractor, monitoring his/her/its work, and resolving issues. How did you select this bad contractor? If it was referred to you by someone, be sure to let that person/company know of the poor work performed.

You wrote that you are on a fixed income and disabled. Have you contacted the legal aid agencies in your area? Do a Google search on State Bar Association for the state in which you live. Then search through the hits to find "legal aid societies". These organizations do pro bono (gratis) work for low income individuals. Typically they will become involved in a select group of legal practice areas, such as family law (read "divorce" and custody issues), probate, and criminal. They may not take contract disputes, but it's worth a try. You can't complain you're not getting help if you don't explore what's available. And I know for a fact that they DO help because I worked for one decades ago and a family member received able and effective assistance from one in the last few years.

Since you had a contract, if the contractor didn't perform as specified (and if the contract was specific enough in its work scope that that can be verified), you would have a claim for breach of contract.

If you haven't taken pictures and have access to a camera, document all the mistakes/errors/omissions the contractor made.

The Nolo Press publishes DIY legal manuals to help individuals handle some legal issues on their own. It requires a LOT of study, but if you take the time to learn the court system, this might be an option. It depends on how much time and willingness you want to/are able to invest.

Many cities in Michigan also have free legal consultations once a week. Local attorneys volunteer to provide advice on specific matters. They may not be able to address your specific issues but you can't lose anything by investing some time and discussing your issues. I've received excellent advice through this service.

It's also my understanding that the Area Agencies on Aging have resources, or can refer you to resources, than can help with house projects. However, their involvement is to the best of my knowledge focused on health and security issues. They won't assist in remodeling or refinishing or performing other contract work.

Thank you but I believe I have checked out all possibilities but will check further on the lawyers as I'm not getting anywhere with the current lawyer. the aging agency has income limits and because my husband works we are just over the minimum income required so they can't help either.

Have you tried sites like Angie's List? You can check out reviews from other people who've worked with a contractor so you can get an idea of how well they perform a job to expectations.

Yes and the contractor we hired is on their list and when I filed a complaint they told me it would not affect his rating.

its a battle of money, who has the most,
thats all a lawsuit is. file a suit on him.
and tie his butt up in court, depending on how much damage he caused, will determine if you go to small claims or not. they usually cap out at 5 k
if you get a contractor to testify the amount of damage.
that will due you good. document everything, get estiments
if he did not have a contractors liscense, your up the creek, court will throw it out

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Frodo,