Backstory: My g/f notices the neighbor a couple of houses down is having their roof done and other home improvements. She goes over to talk to them and to see the work and cost. She likes what she sees and the neighbor said they do excellent work. G/f invites the contractor over who gives a reasonable price for the roof and to add an additional restroom. So my g/f hires the guy who asks for half the money for the roof before beginning (i suppose that is standard). She gives him the money, they begin working on the frame of the new restroom since they have to build it for the new roof to extend over. The new roof is finished and looks awesome and she pays him the rest. Prior to continuing work on the interior of the restroom, he asks for half the money, and of course my g/f pays him. this was about 10 days ago. Since then we've been talking to him on the phone about when is he coming out here to finish. He kept saying, "i'll be there tomorrow morning...blah...blah...blah." Always making excuses. Now the last couple of days, he's not answering his phone or returning calls. My question is, what's the next best thing to do? Do we call the cops, make a report? Would they, or could they do anything. We do have a copy of the guy's driver's license. Any help is appreciate. TIA.
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If there was no schedule set for the fulfilment of an obligation, it's considered immediately demandable. Go to his office, make your demand, at which point, he is already liable for interests if the case goes all the way to court.
If he was a licensed contractor, and you have a binding contract, then you can take him to task based on that. Of course, it most likely will end up costing you more in legal fees after all is said and done. I had a contractor do that to me. I started to trust him as work was being completed, and after I gave him some money upfront, he bailed on me. It sucks, but there wasn't anything I could do about it other than file a complaint with the BBB.
Talk to the neighbor. Ask where they found the guy. See if you can have them reach the contractor. Also, try to call at a different time, from a relatively different number (a friend's cell, etc.)... or have a friend call and leave message and see if they bite on a potential "new customer". Or, you can always tell them: "now I break you, like I break your friend"
He did an excellent job on the neighbor's house. They said he was not like this with them. Always on the job every day until he finished. I've called from two different numbers, he just lets it go to voicemail. Didn't leave a message so he wouldn't think it was me. to Pharmacist, no the guy is not asian.
You never ever give the money until the job is done! I can't believe people still fall for this crap. If he wants an upfront payment for supplies thats one thing but never give full payment until the job is fully completed. Thats standard!! You don't have much recourse now except to hope he comers back. You could take him to court but do you even have a address to have him served? You basically took it up the ### here. I'd keep calling though....maybe you can bug him to death .
she didn't give him the full amount. she gave him half to continue on the bathroom. i didn't see a cause for concern since he did his job at her neighbor's house and her roof.
Meh. I say you just chill out and give him a few days. Contractors are very random people that like to do things on their own schedule...can be annoying, but you have to live with it. Especially if this guy has done a good job as you've stated so far.
i hope she didnt hire JROC construction. i hired him to put up a fence in my back yard. before he started digging, he should have called the utility comapnies to check for pipes and lines. but of course he cut that corner and saved himself $15. a week after the fence was finished, i lost power. i called the power company and they installed a temporary line which cost $200. then i hired an electrician to see what was wrong. it turns out that JROC nicked the sheathing on the line that connects me to the grid. it cost me $1200 to replace the line so JROC saved $15 but it ended up costing me $1400. i threatened to sue and finally got him to pay me back. but it was in four installment payments. and even then i had to hound him to make sure he paid me every last cent!!! BE WARNED, DONT USE JROC Construction !!!
