How should I proceed with a contracton in whose workmanship I was disappointed?

Question

I hired a contractor recommended by Service Magic. He had a 5-star rating. Maybe these projects were different than mine, but I was dissatisfied with some areas of his work.

First, he assured me that he personally supervised each job. However, to my knowledge, he wasn't on the job site while the actual work was in progress.

Secondly, he insisted that I pay 50% up front and make checks out to him personally rather than to his business.

Thirdly, the boards his workers replaced on the porch floor were warped and unevenly cut.

Fourth, a wire fence between my yard and the neighbors was trashed. I only know it wasn't like that before they were there.

Fifth, he didn't leave me a copy of the contract. When I contacted the contractor by e-mail, he said he'd mail it to me, but I haven't received it yet.

Sixth - there are boot prints in white paint all over my newly painted dark gray porch floor.

I hesitate to complain to him until I have the contract. He can always deny things that way. What should I do?

Answer 1

You touched on some good problems here. First, he does not have to be there all the time, so long as the work is being done correctly. Second, the 50 percent upfront would be for materials. This is normal to ask for, but the check should have been made out to the company. Third, he is required to give you a copy of the contract by law. Under the law, you have to give him a reasonable amount of time to fix what is messed up. You didn't say if you paid the rest of the bill or not. If you have not, don't until he gives you a copy of the contract, and fixes ALL of the problems. As for the fence, unless you can prove it was his company, you may be out of luck on that one. I would think about filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. If he is a good contractor, he will show up at your house and go over the work with you when it is done. Hope this helps.