What do in do if I had construction done on a rental property that cost 13,000.00 and work has still yet to be completed so my renters could...

Question

What do in do if I had construction done on a rental property that cost 13,000.00 and work has still yet to be completed so my renters could move in. I had a double wide redone putting in new bathtub/showers. New flooring in every room and a roof redone. I had a walk through with the contractor and discussed what needed to be fixed the main thing being the vinyl in the bathroom that was not adhered to the wall and was gaping open. He assured me it would be done. I then a week later took my renters to see the house and did a walk through with them and the bathroom vinyl was still gaping in spots. My husband who was overseas called him and talked with him and he assured me he would have this done correctly. A third time I have gone to the house and the vinyl is peeling off the wall it isn't stuck at all. We have talked with him 3 times now and the same thing is happening. I also had the flooring in the kitchen blow up off of the floor and had a large wave of bubbles under the flooring. He came over and assured me that it would be taking care of and it is still bubbled up in several spots. I am looking now to get someone else to fix the problems this other guy has made and would like to know if I have a chance of getting the money from the first contractor to pay the other to fix his screw up.

Thanks

Michelle turcotte

Answer

Not likely. Contractors almost have a worse reputation than lawyers - almost, that is. You can certainly ask for a refund. The likely result of that conversation is that first he will laugh then he will tell you to go you know what yourself. You can try and sue him if you can find your way through the maze of shell corporations they often hide behind. Even if you do and even if you get a judgment in your favor, he is likely to merely file bankruptcy, start a new corporation the next day and be right back in business doing substandard shoddy work. So needless to say - you gots an uphill battle. But you shouldn't let him get away with shoddy work scott free. At least talk to an attorney to get a feel for what your odds are under your particular circumstances. Next time hire a contractor that has been recommended to you by friends or family or that at least checks out on Angie's list or with the Better Business Bureau. Also, enter into a detailed contract regarding time frames, cost and quality of materials / workmanship. Good luck to you!