contractor dilemma

5 years ago

I am new to this site so forgive me if there is a more appropriate place on this site to post. I am a first time homeowner as of August 2020. A general contractor was by the previous owner. The GC started a window replacement project in July, among a few other projects. The GC has made several excuses and overall has been extremely sloppy. They have lost keys, window hardware, door hardware, to name a few things. I have not had a handle on my storm door since July!! I have communicated in writing to the GC and/or his project manager about these items and more. They have canceled coming out several times and I am very frustrated. NO ONE should use this contractor!! A month ago, a sub came out to my house to install a window that was previously measured wrong. The left the old window in my yard, along with other debris - and also never finished framing the exterior of the window. How do I get this company to finish this project and finish it well? They are not part of the BBB. I am not even certain the GC’s license is current. I plan to contact the state licensure office and perhaps also the Attorney General’s office. Any other suggestions?

Featured Answer

kempek01

5 years ago

It's time for you and your family member to have a conversation about the contractor.

Your family member should not pay another dime to the contractor until this is resolved. However, the family member probably needs to be telling the contractor to follow through, since they are paying the bills.

You should also consider the scope/cost of the work involved. It might be prudent to change contractors. How that will work will be based on your location, so it might also be necessary to consult a local expert (aka attorney). If you are lucky, the current contractor will be glad to go away with no more money.

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Comments (7)

littlebug zone 5 Missouri
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I’m not clear on the arrangements here. You bought the house in August, but maintenance projects were underway by a contractor who started these projects BEFORE you bought the house? I have never heard of such a thing. Why did you buy/close on the house if projects were underway? And who is paying this guy?
K Giles
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi, I purchased the house from a family member. She is responsible for paying him as laid out in our purchase agreement. The contractor also provided a document detailing the items to be completed which was also added to the purchase agreement.
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K Giles
Original Author
5 years ago
For further clarification, I was renting the home prior to purchasing it.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
Sorry but this is another eason to not do business with family. Your family member is who should be persuing this to some sort of conclusion and without seeing the contract or the actual work done from that contract there is no way for us to help. As for the debris that is usually dealt with in the contract . I do agree no more money paid and yes you should check to see if they are actually liscensed a bit late but better than not.
Denita
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I hate to bring up other issues, but also check to see if a notice of commencement (NOC) was filed by the contractor. If so, make sure a Notice of Termination is also filed. These are public records so you can check yourself in most areas of the US. I am mentioning this because the contractor can cloud your title in various ways: lien or an open permit (if any). Sloppy contractors tend to also be sloppy in paperwork. I know you are frustrated with the incomplete work, I would be too. But don't let the paperwork side of this get away from you as it can create major issues down the road. If there are none of the issues above, then breathe a sign of relief and get the work completed with a competent contractor. So sorry you are experiencing this on your first home.
PRO
JudyG Designs
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
It should have occurred to your real estate attorney to hold back money in an escrow account until the GC completed the work and then family member paid him his due in full.

Then family member gets the escrow.

Pay attention to Denita’s suggestions.