05-25-2007, 06:12 AM
They may file a mechanics lein on your property. (You will need a lot of data to prove your side. Get all of the phone records & start LEGALLY taping any phone contacts (you must inform them that this call is for or on the record...) You will find that your contract is not very conclusive. If it is a form contract that they supplied, you may be liable for THEIR legal fees & such. You want to read every bit of fine print, now (much better to do it prior to signing & paying)
At this point, you will find that it will not be easy to get your money back. The best that you can hope for is that you get a comprise where they finish up some of the work for the amount outstanding. Be prepared for the fact that neither of you will ever be happy with any solution, but it is better for your house if you are able to get them to willingly assist you. Contact the Building Dept. & the Better Business Bureau. Both of these can act as mediators. As for impounding their tools, you had better make sure that you have legal grounds, & also remember, if these guys are willing to screw around with you, do you want to make them madder - it is a small rock, and they do know where you live...
We had a building contract go sour back on the mainland (our contract was much more specific, & the builder did not get a permit prior to starting a job...the Building Dept. came through for us, but even with the fact that the builder lost a suit, was barred from building in the state (license removed), we still ate a much larger loss than you have so far (the original loss + the legal fees)
One reason a contactor changes names is that the losses & suits are to the company...company goes under, there goes your ability to claim.
At this point, you will find that it will not be easy to get your money back. The best that you can hope for is that you get a comprise where they finish up some of the work for the amount outstanding. Be prepared for the fact that neither of you will ever be happy with any solution, but it is better for your house if you are able to get them to willingly assist you. Contact the Building Dept. & the Better Business Bureau. Both of these can act as mediators. As for impounding their tools, you had better make sure that you have legal grounds, & also remember, if these guys are willing to screw around with you, do you want to make them madder - it is a small rock, and they do know where you live...
We had a building contract go sour back on the mainland (our contract was much more specific, & the builder did not get a permit prior to starting a job...the Building Dept. came through for us, but even with the fact that the builder lost a suit, was barred from building in the state (license removed), we still ate a much larger loss than you have so far (the original loss + the legal fees)
One reason a contactor changes names is that the losses & suits are to the company...company goes under, there goes your ability to claim.