lesson learned
Is there anyone who actually helps consumers after thousands of dollars were spent to improve our house,and every single job done needs to be redone.We have already spent close to ten thousand dollars to repair the terrible jobs the original contractor did.We did everything the correct way,contacted every known agency in new jersey,then filed a civil lawsuit against this contractor,later learned there were 6 suits against him.He filed bancruptcy,that was approved,forget all the money he owes everyone in the county,and this was a licensed,insured contractor,just goes to show you,anyone can get a license for anything these days. As a consumer,does anyone know if there is anything else we can do legally?????? He should not get away with ripping off all kinds of people and now just walk away to do business elsewhere,with a fresh start no less. Thank you to anyone who has any ideas
Unfortunately there isn’t any agency or organization that is set up to help homeowners with remodeling nightmares. That is why so much research and background checks need to be done that include checking court records. Our contractor from hell had a number of law suits but we were unaware of them. And yes, just because someone has a license and is bonded means absolutely nothing to the consumer in terms of character, ethical behavior much less performing quality work.
Like so many others, you’ve learned the hard way. The building industry (as are these so called consumer regulatory agencies)are so dysfunctional and corrupt with ties to legislatures via the money they contribute for power over consumers, meaning less protection for consumers and more for the contractors. It’s the way business is done in this country and consumers are completely at their mercy.
Which brings to mind, vote responsibly. Find out whose contributing money to your politician of choice before you cast your vote.
hmmmm, as a contractor im safeguarded somewhat by the fact that i know what to look for when finding a qualified contractor. as a homeowner contracting work i would start with a referral. someone with a success story. other basics like the company’s background, ask to see a portfolio, talk with some of the other sub-contractors your contractor will be working with. this process should be fun. these working men and women should enjoy meeting new potential clients, as they provide jobs for the contractor to sub out . sub-contractors will be ready to answer questions and help in the planing of your project. rembeber each trade has its own forman. he is the guy that can tell you how and when its going to get done. get involved in the planning. possibly see a job your contractor is working on currently.
Derrick (419)360-3808
I’m wondering the same thing. First of all, the BBB really won’t do anything at all about your complaint except make a note of it. They’re paid by the companies they rate so forget them. Same thing with your Chamber of Commerce. They too, only recommend businesses that pay big bucks annually for membership. After searching for most of the evening for places to report my complaint with a sub contractor, I’ve determined that the Home Builders Association is pretty much like the above two mentioned as well. As of now, I’m going to write “remitted under duress for fear of retaliation due to complaints of poor workmanship and unprofessional behavior” under the FOR line on my check or…..think I saw on some court tv show that you can write stuff like that on the back. I’ll check. I would just rather pay this guy in full and THEN go after him instead of opening a door for him to put some ridiculous lien on my house. But regarding consumer protection? I haven’t found any so far, but I plan to let him be known in every social circle I travel in the area as well as submitting a copy of my final payment check along with a letter of explanation to every realtor in the area because at least 50% of home buyers/sellers will ask for a reputable contractor because they want new carpet, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, landscaping,etc…..when purchasing/selling a home that needs a little touch up. And….. word of mouth is either the best or the worst advertisement a business can have. That’s the only solution I’ve come up with after looking. This is hurting my bank account, but if he doesn’t do the right thing, it’s gong to hurt his standing in the business community. Ouch.
Honestly?? I think this is the absolute best forum I’ve found to expose these snakes to the public!!! The only other way…in my area anyway…seems to be word of mouth because the BBB is supported by the businesses that pay for a listing and the only thing they’ll do is inform the business that a complaint has been logged against them…..and that’s it. The Chamber of Commerce? Same thing except that they won’t even accept nor acknowledge complaints against their members. They’ll refer them to the BBB. I was on the membership committe of a very large metropolitan area chamber and businesses pay a lot of money to be a member and every COC employee is instructed to always recommend a “member” . I thought that I’d report the contractor I’m having a problem with to the Home Builders Association, but it’s a memebership driven association as well and is there for the contractor rather than the consumer. I’ll share my story later, but what I’ve decided to do is go ahead and pay him the money he’s asking for and write ” final payment remitted under duress due to fear of retaliation for protesting poor workmanship and unprofessional behavior”. Think I saw on some court tv show that it can be written on the back of the check if neccessary, but I’ll check it out to be sure. I then plan to make copies of my check and send them to every realtor/agent in the metropolitan and surrounding areas along with a letter explaining what I had to go through with this jerk.. I’d estimate that at least 50% of home buyers/sellers plan to do some sort of updating such as new carpet, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, etc., and will often ask their agent for a recommendation. Luckily this guy was only used for a couple of things that were the last after a 3 month cosmetic update to my house. As a single woman, I feel it’s my duty to warn other people, especially other women, about this man. He has absolutely no respect whatsoever for women. I’ll get the invoice from him tomorrow. Hopefully he’ll show some integrity and adjust, if not remove, the specific charge I’m protesting, but I doubt it. Like I said, I’m not going to open the door for an unscrupulous ******* like him to put a lien on my house or something so I’m going to pay in full and THEN expose him to as many people and though as many consumer groups as I can find. The way I look at it, it’s just money I end up losing, but I promise you, it’s his reputation that’s going to be at stake.