This contractor has made a multitude of mistakes on my home. When I did a search on the internet, I could not find any information about him or his company. After signing a contract and 122k into the construction of my home, I find out how shady he is. I also found out that that 2 other families who are having homes built feel the same way that I do. If I had found anything questionable about this company prior to signing, I would have thought twice. Please help me help others.
thanks
2007-01-19 18:57:53 · 6 answers · asked by Wayne L 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Notify your local Ombudsman and the Better Business Bureau. Sorry about troubles, good for you for trying to help others.
An ombudsman is an official, usually (but not always) appointed by the government or by parliament, who is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints reported by individual citizens.
2007-01-19 19:08:32 · answer #1 · answered by Crash 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all, I would like to start with the question that is probably on EVERYONE'S mind. If you were investing 122k into your home, why on earth would you invest it with someone whom you have absolutely no prior knowledge of? I suppose that is water under the bridge now...or in your basement.
Start by filing a report with the better business bureau. You do need the company's name (or what they conducted business to you as), their phone number with area code, and their address. It doesn't matter if they are a member of the BBB, they will still keep a report. 2nd file with small claims court. Since you have a contract, collect at least 3 estimates from each field of expertise to where the work was done incorrectly and have them give you a DETAILED written estimate on what was done incorrectly, how much and what it would take to fix it, and their rates. Be SURE that you find out whether or not they charge a service fee or not or you could be out more money. Small Claims Court rulings are public record and viewable by the general public. Did your contractor have to have permits? Did he get them? If so, wasn't it inspected? If not, he could be in big trouble. However, given the nature of the work, I would NOT suggest contacting them (probably located in your City Hall), until you are COMPLETELY ready to have the problem fixed. Becauses, your home may be shut down till it is fixed. There are hefty fines and penalties for not following building codes. DO, do something RIGHT AWAY if the problem could hurt the people in your home immediately, ie gas leaks, water leaks, critters etc. Thirdly, tell EVERYONE and their mother about this guy. Nothing and I mean nothing (speaking from the owner of a contracting co.'s point of view), can help or HURT business more than word of mouth.
Good luck to you! Next time, perhaps it may be worth it to spend a little extra with a company that can provide references, credentials, and a portfolio. Till then, I hope all goes well.
Dee Dee Dee
2007-01-19 19:18:09 · answer #2 · answered by lustful TR 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's 3 things I can think of right off the bat.
1. Make your own website as contractor'snamesucks.com. I strongly advise only posting factual statements to avoid any libel suits.
2. There's a site called Rip-Off Reports.com or BadBusinessBureau.com. Many people check that one.
3. Your state or county should have a licensing board for contractors. I'd make a complaint to them.
2007-01-19 19:15:36 · answer #3 · answered by Uncle Pennybags 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
HOORAY for the net!!!! In some areas now there are sites that alert to this problem-can't find one now but contact your BBB and ask them if they know of one and if one isn't available in your area help to start one and get a link to the SBA___BBB____for others to find it-
If there really is non-performance you have every right to stop work and payments and fire him immediately-If things are that bad he won't dare sue you and if he does you'll just spend the extra money he would ripped you off for anyway
I was a contractor for many years and I loved to run
across those animals......
TIP # 1------you will never get a bad reference from anyone [ would you do it ? ] so here's what you do
ASK to talk to the client he is CURRENTLY working for
ASK to talk to the client he just finished
ASK to talk to the client he had 3-4-5 years ago
One last thing-IF HE HAS ALL NEW TOOLS AND A PICK UP TRUCK----------be very careful
2007-01-19 19:15:38 · answer #4 · answered by arthur d 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the BBB, or, the Better Business Bureau. Here, you can check out businesses, report your experiences, and just learn general info. on who or who NOT to do your business with!!
2007-01-19 19:06:39 · answer #5 · answered by ali 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Next time don't be so cheap and go with the cheapest builder.
2007-01-19 20:46:08 · answer #6 · answered by todd 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋