Issue with local contractor - guidance sought

[DesertDweller]

Hate to read stories like this and sorry for your trouble.

At this point I think the most important thing is that you need to get this job finished up before winter really sets in. Likely this will need to be done by another contractor. I agree with the other post in that you should talk with an attorney on how to best proceed. They will most likely tell you to send out some form of a demand letter and go from there. The good thing for you is that you have a complete time line of your communications vial email and that will help you a lot.

Unfortunately, those of us who don't live up the Lake full time are easy prey for contractors like this.

Good luck with getting the job done.

[donmac]

Wow, what a response.

Thanks for confirming that I was not over reacting.

In this contractor's defense, I do not believe he is a bad guy. I've met him several times, have seen recommendations, have seen his prior work, etc.

I will report back on how this all turns out.

Thanks for the feedback

[Irish mist]

Get a lawyer & get him into court, or kiss your money goodbye. It's most likely gone anyway, but the longer you put up with this nonsense the worse it's going to get.

[TiltonBB]

Start the court process now. You have been patient enough. If your contractor really intends to do the work he will have it done before the court date. My guess is that he already spent the money to buy the vinyl on something else.

The good new is that you do not need a lawyer, you can take him to small claims court yourself. A lawyer would probably bill about half of what you have lost just to handle this case.

The bad news is that Laconia District Court is very friendly to defendants and sometimes not real helpful to plaintiffs.

[tis]

I agree with Tilton. The Carroll County Court has a soft spot for the defendants too. They give them every last chance. I don't even bother anymore, I send it to a collection agency when I can't collect the money. They are far better than the courts.

[Not to Worry]

I had the same issue on a project (not at lake). I knew the contractor, had done work for me before so there was no reason to mistrust? My mistake!!!!!!

After similar delays and problems I finally put my foot down and said finish the job or I will have to sue. Contractor just laughed and said sue me all you want since I do not have a penny to my name.

I ended up hiring a new contractor, lost about $20K on the project. Oh almost forgot to mention he did do about 65% of the work but guess what? Never paid his subs. They never filed mechanics liens so I was not responsible for the money owed to them but I did have a regular parade of people knocking on my door asking for money.

My advice? Cut your loses and move on otherwise this story will only bet worse.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by donmac

Wow, what a response.

Thanks for confirming that I was not over reacting.

In this contractor's defense, I do not believe he is a bad guy. I've met him several times, have seen recommendations, have seen his prior work, etc.

I will report back on how this all turns out.

Thanks for the feedback

He's not a nice guy, he's a liar and a jerk and he is jerking you around, badly. He probably does shoddy work too. Cut your losses and out him so the rest of us don't suffer your fate.

There are good, trustworthy contractors at the lake, this guy isn't one of them from your description. Also, I never give a contractor more down payment than I am willing to lose. Most will ask that I make partial payments when materials come in.

[Pineedles]

Our story was a missing painting contractor. Gave him deposit for paint only to do whole house and garage. He said paint was delivered and was starting work. When a neighbor reported to us that they had seen no one show up for weeks after job was supposedly started we tried to call, but no answer repeatedly. Took a drive up and ZERO progress, no paint on site, and no contractor. Once again, we had gotten references, seen his work but obviously he must have fallen on hard times and decided our deposit for paint was worth the risk of a fraud/theft charge. We hired a new contractor, had the work done while we were in residence, and although it was not fun having to try and enjoy a vacation while painters were showing up at the crack of dawn everyday, I don't think we will ever plan on having work done while we are not present to monitor the situation. BTW, I will never give any contractor a deposit for anything again! I will pay when materials are delivered. Fool me once.....

[Biggd]

I had a similar situation with a roofing contractor. Gave him 50% deposit up front, which is normal. Same crap, he showed up once with just ice and water shield, he stripped the front of the house and covered it with ice and water shield. Said he would be back but made excuse upon excuse until the check cleared. Going to court on Monday and the chase is on. It may be years before I see any money even if I win a judgement on Monday.
I ended up having a roofing contractor from Mass do the job, same price and it was done in one day.
I don't like to generalize but NH contractors are notorious for putting things off. I've heard many of stories about sketchy contractors at the local watering holes. If it's hunting season you can't get them to do anything.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I had a similar situation with a roofing contractor. Gave him 50% deposit up front, which is normal. Same crap, he showed up once with just ice and water shield, he stripped the front of the house and covered it with ice and water shield. Said he would be back but made excuse upon excuse until the check cleared. Going to court on Monday and the chase is on. It may be years before I see any money even if I win a judgement on Monday.
I ended up having a roofing contractor from Mass do the job, same price and it was done in one day.
I don't like to generalize but NH contractors are notorious for putting things off. I've heard many of stories about sketchy contractors at the local watering holes. If it's hunting season you can't get them to do anything.

Probably not worth it to sue him, they just declare bankruptcy and reappear in 6 months. Sorry for your problems.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by ITD

Probably not worth it to sue him, they just declare bankruptcy and reappear in 6 months. Sorry for your problems.

I can't see him declaring bankruptcy for such a small amount but if he's done this many times and I'm in a long line of creditors then, yes, I could see it. My court date is Monday so we'll see.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I can't see him declaring bankruptcy for such a small amount but if he's done this many times and I'm in a long line of creditors then, yes, I could see it. My court date is Monday so we'll see.

I hope it works out for you.

[DesertDweller]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I don't like to generalize but NH contractors are notorious for putting things off. I've heard many of stories about sketchy contractors at the local watering holes. If it's hunting season you can't get them to do anything.

I refer to this as "New Hampshire Time" and, unfortunately, you are spot on.

[8gv]

Originally Posted by DesertDweller

I refer to this as "New Hampshire Time" and, unfortunately, you are spot on.

With no interest in casting dispersions to anyone...

Could it be that "NH time" is just a little different than Rat Race time?