Posted by Marc NJ on January 31, 2004 at 23:35:36:
I’ve been burned by a couple of contractors, they even signed my contractor agreement that is in Bronchick’s course. The problem is that you will have a hard time getting them to court, and if you do suceed in getting a judgement, by default or any other way, just try to collect it.
IMHO it is best Not to give the contractor a lot of money up front, then pay them weekly or at the end of the job.
It is just plain wrong that the courts let these guys get away with taking a deposit and doing very little work, or not doing anything at all, its a civil charge and not much can be done when they do walk.
I had one contractor take a 7K deposit, tore a roof off and did not come back, 3 weeks went by and I had to hire someone else to finish the job. The worst part of this is that that same contarctor did 50-60K in work for me the year before this happened, so he basically f*#ked himself. But does that matter , NO, I’m out the money and have my attorney on his butt. This guy signed an agreement that stated he was penalized 200 dollars a day if not completed by a certain date.
Do Not give them large deposits!!!Period! That seems to work best.
Hope this helps, and thanks for letting me vent.
Marc NJ