Contractor Hell
- Thread starter lafsalot
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MyGirlHeidi
Completely Boxer Crazy
I don't know about your contractor but, alot of times during the winter months things do move alot slower. The weather has alot to do with it. However, if it seems he is giving you the run around I would keep on him and try to be pleasant I know how difficult it can be! 
MyGirlHeidi - keeping a civil tongue is difficult to do. I wanted to wait till spring before doing the work, but they insisted it was the best time to do it because they are not fully booked, and would have more tiime to devote to my project. They're the ones that hounded us to get the trailer so that they could do the demolition work on the first level. We managed to put all of things in storage, and move in just two days - then they didn't show for almost 5 weeks!! Can't blame it on the weather - we've had some snow, but all in all, it has been unseasonable warm (65 degrees out today). Sorry for babbling on, but just had to vent. Thanks for responding ~ Cathy
MyGirlHeidi
Completely Boxer Crazy
I totally understand what your going thru, I would be hounding them too if they insisted they would have more time to devote to building your house. It's very frustrating and I hope now that the holidays are over they will be moving faster for you and your family. Keep us posted and hopefully you will be moving in towards spring.
abradbury.5
Guest
It's a problem with almost all contractors.
You could consider looking for another and trying to specify a time, but you'll probably run into the same problem. It just seems to be how it works when you're dealing with (most) contractors that do construction work.
You could consider looking for another and trying to specify a time, but you'll probably run into the same problem. It just seems to be how it works when you're dealing with (most) contractors that do construction work.
littleone
Boxer Booster
Hi Cathy,
First, I'd like to wish a Happy New Year to you and your family, I'm very sorry to hear you're going through "home improvement hell", what a way to spend the holidays! I've been down a similar road in past with disreputable "contractors" and it ain't pretty. Gets me so very, very angry since you've contracted for service(s) in good faith, given them payments to cover the costs of the work and he's not fulfulling his end of the bargain. I've had some success in getting resolutions by:
- If you have a contract, first check it to see if time lines, material deliveries, begin/end dates, calendar for the specific steps of the renovation, etc. are outlined. Is he doing all of the work or sub-contracting aspects of it to others (i.e. he's doing the carpentry, other people are doing the plumbing, electrical) - he/they are responsible to maintain the terms of the contract within reasonable expectations.
- Does his business card, the contract, any of the paperwork you were given have his license # or the license #'s of any sub-contractors? If not, check the BBB of NY site, if he/they are licensed, you can get the license #'s from their website. Even if he/they are not licensed, still get in touch with the BBB of NY and file a complaint against any/all involved in your project. I know you're on LI, but don't know if it's Nassau or Suffolk, if your contractor is licensed out on the Island, you can also file a complaint with the county since he's doing business there and either paying business taxes and/or licensing fees. If he's licensed by NYC, you can file complaints with them based on the same. Does his business card, contract, estimates state he or any sub-contractors are members of a professional organization like NKBA (kitchen & bath remodeler association), if so, get in touch with the appropriate professional organizations and file complaints with them as well. If you feel the situation warrants it (slipshod work, family life disrupted to a degree that's causing undue hardship or dangerous conditions, etc) get in touch with the State Attorney General as well. You may want to get in touch with Newsday or maybe Cablevision if they have a consumer complaint reporter - sometimes these reporters can work miracles on getting resolution to these types of situations.
- Sit down and begin documenting as best as you can the dates, times, person(s) you've spoken to about the problems with the work, what they promised, what you said you wanted and what didn't happen as promised. Then, write a very strong letter to the prinicipal of the contracting firm, cc: copies to the above agencies outlining the specifics of what you've experienced (attach copies of your contract, cancelled checks, whatever you can that can substantiate the validity of your claims), close your letter with what you feel is a satisfactory resolution to the problem. Be sure to send all these letters certified/return receipt requested.
In my opinion, he's at minimum liable for ALL storage costs of your household goods, ALL rental charges associated with the mobile home rental, a reduction of the total cost of the job as well as a revised contract that outlines a calendar that he will maintain come hell or high water. If you are unwilling to allow him to continue the work for fear it'll be substandard, he is liable for a return of any fees paid as well as the costs of any materials bought so far for the job with you being entitled to keeping any/all materials delivered to the site at no cost to you.
I hope you can get a speedy resolution to this situation, please let us know how it goes.
Penny
First, I'd like to wish a Happy New Year to you and your family, I'm very sorry to hear you're going through "home improvement hell", what a way to spend the holidays! I've been down a similar road in past with disreputable "contractors" and it ain't pretty. Gets me so very, very angry since you've contracted for service(s) in good faith, given them payments to cover the costs of the work and he's not fulfulling his end of the bargain. I've had some success in getting resolutions by:
- If you have a contract, first check it to see if time lines, material deliveries, begin/end dates, calendar for the specific steps of the renovation, etc. are outlined. Is he doing all of the work or sub-contracting aspects of it to others (i.e. he's doing the carpentry, other people are doing the plumbing, electrical) - he/they are responsible to maintain the terms of the contract within reasonable expectations.
- Does his business card, the contract, any of the paperwork you were given have his license # or the license #'s of any sub-contractors? If not, check the BBB of NY site, if he/they are licensed, you can get the license #'s from their website. Even if he/they are not licensed, still get in touch with the BBB of NY and file a complaint against any/all involved in your project. I know you're on LI, but don't know if it's Nassau or Suffolk, if your contractor is licensed out on the Island, you can also file a complaint with the county since he's doing business there and either paying business taxes and/or licensing fees. If he's licensed by NYC, you can file complaints with them based on the same. Does his business card, contract, estimates state he or any sub-contractors are members of a professional organization like NKBA (kitchen & bath remodeler association), if so, get in touch with the appropriate professional organizations and file complaints with them as well. If you feel the situation warrants it (slipshod work, family life disrupted to a degree that's causing undue hardship or dangerous conditions, etc) get in touch with the State Attorney General as well. You may want to get in touch with Newsday or maybe Cablevision if they have a consumer complaint reporter - sometimes these reporters can work miracles on getting resolution to these types of situations.
- Sit down and begin documenting as best as you can the dates, times, person(s) you've spoken to about the problems with the work, what they promised, what you said you wanted and what didn't happen as promised. Then, write a very strong letter to the prinicipal of the contracting firm, cc: copies to the above agencies outlining the specifics of what you've experienced (attach copies of your contract, cancelled checks, whatever you can that can substantiate the validity of your claims), close your letter with what you feel is a satisfactory resolution to the problem. Be sure to send all these letters certified/return receipt requested.
In my opinion, he's at minimum liable for ALL storage costs of your household goods, ALL rental charges associated with the mobile home rental, a reduction of the total cost of the job as well as a revised contract that outlines a calendar that he will maintain come hell or high water. If you are unwilling to allow him to continue the work for fear it'll be substandard, he is liable for a return of any fees paid as well as the costs of any materials bought so far for the job with you being entitled to keeping any/all materials delivered to the site at no cost to you.
I hope you can get a speedy resolution to this situation, please let us know how it goes.
Penny
Thanks Penny for the supportive and informative post. Fortunately, I have kept a detailed journal of what has transpired, and I've already got my complaint letters typed out for the BBB and Suffolk Consumers Affairs.
Following my architect's advice, I contacted the town's head building inspector. He said that his office has been inundated with complaints about the firm, and he personally is going to help me out any way he can. He's coming out first thing Tuesday morning to inpect what work they have done.
Because they had a "new" bogus contract with my obviously forged signature, the FBI has advised me to speak with someone at the DA's office.
The clerk of the county has given me the owner's name, and I have sent him a certified letter so that it may go on record.
I'm also angry at myself, because I thought I had done all my homework. As of last year, when I went to contract with this company, they had no complaints on record with either the BBB or CA - I think they go back three years. In fact, at one time, they were even highly regarded at the building department.They've been doing homes in this area for the 20 + years I have lived here, and until now, their clients have always raved about them.
You said that you had toruble at one time. Was everything resolved, and were you fully compensated?
At any rate, will keep you posted. Let's hope that the new year brings good luck and health for everyone. Thanks again Penny ~ Cathy
Following my architect's advice, I contacted the town's head building inspector. He said that his office has been inundated with complaints about the firm, and he personally is going to help me out any way he can. He's coming out first thing Tuesday morning to inpect what work they have done.
Because they had a "new" bogus contract with my obviously forged signature, the FBI has advised me to speak with someone at the DA's office.
The clerk of the county has given me the owner's name, and I have sent him a certified letter so that it may go on record.
I'm also angry at myself, because I thought I had done all my homework. As of last year, when I went to contract with this company, they had no complaints on record with either the BBB or CA - I think they go back three years. In fact, at one time, they were even highly regarded at the building department.They've been doing homes in this area for the 20 + years I have lived here, and until now, their clients have always raved about them.
You said that you had toruble at one time. Was everything resolved, and were you fully compensated?
At any rate, will keep you posted. Let's hope that the new year brings good luck and health for everyone. Thanks again Penny ~ Cathy
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