Posted by mvm on May 20, 2005 at 12:51:04:
First of all, Thank you for reading my post.a local experienced investor advised me to threaten him with a lawsuit. I did exactly that on thursday morning, called him up and went berserk on the phone with him, and guess what at the end of the day, all the work is done,finished, complete, close, end. I’m a happpy camper now and I have this great learning and painful experience, I will be very very very careful now going forward.
Thanks again All,
mvm
Contractor Woes!!! 
Long one!! - Posted by mvm
Posted by mvm on May 18, 2005 at 18:57:43:
Hi All,
Need some advice regarding a situation that I’m facing right now. I bought this property sub2 which needed some repairs like carpet, kitchen floor, clean up, paint etc. I’m going through hell right now with the contractor that I paid to do the job. The first mistake I did was to pay him 90% of the agreed contract amount( 50% when the work started and 40% when 3/4th of the work was done). This contractor all he does is lie, lie and lie. He has not finished main tasks like carpeting,gutters etc. Now, he just does not answer my calls nor returns my voicemails. This guy has put me through so much emotional stress that I feel like I should just fire him and get it done by someone else.
When he agreed to do the work, he said all the work will be done in a week. Now, its nearing the end of 4 wks this friday and he’s still dragging his feet. I found out he does not pay his workers at all. The worker who is on site fixing my place hasn’t got paid for 3 months now. This guy just talks sweet and all he does is lie, lie and lie and lie. I got frustrated with him after couple of weeks and called him on a sunday asking whats going on and this guy yels at me over the phone that “nobody checks on my work like and how dare I call him on a sunday” . I’m emotionally stressed and tired right now.
What would you do in this situation. I feel like dragging him to court and sue him for breach of contract and for putting me through such a hell.
Please advise what would be the best thing to do with my situation.
Thanks,
mvm
Re: Contractor Woes!!! Long one!! - Posted by Austin
Posted by Austin on June 06, 2005 at 19:25:33:
Check your contract very well. Hopefully it’s in writing. Isn’t it? If no time frame was specified in the contract you’ll have trouble sueing. Calling on Sunday is a bad idea. I know you’re frustrated. But keep it during business hours. I would get upset if you called me on Sunday.
Guilt is the first step. Sometimes it works better than getting tough. Play on his pride without sounding “nasty”. Chances are he doesn’t have the money to do it right now. And he’s spent your money to pay his bills, or go on a trip, or something other than buying your materials. (As to the worker;Why would anyone work without being payed for three months?) if the threat of legal action is subtle but present, and you offer him a way out, he might finish your job. If not, and he keeps dragging, then take your chances in court. But make sure the contract is clearly in your favor.