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We are in a mess with a contractor we engaged based on a recommended list. We started talking to the person months (June) in advance of the time we needed the job done. There was an arranged meeting on a specific day after our arrival (Sept). We specifically asked that the work be done while we were on site which gave him two full weeks.
Obviously it didn't happen. We advanced him a substantial amount of money before we left and I don't see where it went.
It's been one excuse after another. The weather, health issues, transportation issues. He has all these jobs but can't find any helpers. Every week he says he's going to do the job, every time we ask for a status there's another postponement.
Now he wants an advance. I am thinking not. Any advice? [
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If there has been no performance and he has already received a substantial deposit. Do not advance more.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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Name names. I don't want to hire this guy.
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What kind of work was supposed to be done? What was the deposit for? Any contracts?
There are ways of figuring out who the contractor is without actually naming names.
Puna: Our roosters crow first
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I had the same problem with a rock wall builder some years back. He stopped answering the phone, so I left a message saying if he didn't show up for work by noon on Friday, I would take the cancelled check to the police department and file a report for fraud.
He showed up that Friday at 11:45.
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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"Gee, I wonder why all those name-brand big-box stores import their construction crew?"
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Never pay any contractor upfront always wait till the job is done if they are on the level it should not be a problem . Best advice I can give you
Kw
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Thanks for your advice and comments. I'm not out to ruin anyone's reputation or livelihood. We definitely chose the wrong person. Maybe it worked out better for others. I am not advancing any more money.
I just thought back to the previous contractor experience this year. The job was halfway done before he asked for anything. There was good communication and trust. The job was done was beyond satisfactory.
We made a mistake this second time.
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I'm not out to ruin anyone's reputation or livelihood.
That's certainly one way to look at it.
