Bad contractor

5/28/2011 at 3:12:45 PM

You can take him to court if you can find him. Take Pictures.

A Clients Renovation I took over- a while ago. When I asked what was the name of Contractor had started her disaster- her response was "In the Wind".

I always have my Clients sign a Contract. It not only protects me but them. Even with Decor furniture Art that I buy for repeat Clients , some over 10 years, I email or send info & they must approve before I order. So for the big things like a renovation you need to check out the Contractor & have a contract.

5/28/2011 at 5:59:31 PM

In any business you will always find the cowboys and fly-by-nights. Unfortunately, there seems to be more in construction than in any other business. Always get a contract, pay when certain aspects of a job have been completed and always hold back a percentage of the original contract. Although that won't help you recoup the money you have already lost it will guarentee that you won't go through the same thing again.

5/31/2011 at 8:10:57 PM

Hello Tom. This is Yelena from Great Owl Renovations, Calgary.

In your city you have special department to submit the claim . You can call city and ask for the web page for this department nor the phone number. Also, there is always BBB mediation services-you can call local BBB office and they will be able to help you.

There is also Sheriff's office -might be a choice for your situation if you would like to go to small claim court ( if the amount is less than $25,000). You can hire paralegal or represent yourself in the small court.

If you know the contractor's company name you can make a search and check if he has registered business, it would be much easier if he does...

If you have at least the receipts for materials and witness that this contractor started the work, it would be easier to put a claim.

Do you have scope of work signed by the contractor and you? Anything in writing? At list his estimate?

After all, it takes two to tango... Renovation is very serious process and needs attention from both-contractor and the owner. Usually the contractors like yours, do not have all the right documents and offer cheap price without any insurance. For the future renovations, please consider this:

It is very important to have written and signed scope of work, estimate and of course, by law-signed contract if the job cost more than $500 and the deal was made in your house. It is classified as direct sales. Never pay any money upfront unless the contractor has prepaid contractor's license.

It is always good to have contractor's insurance policy number or performance bond -for your protection.

I am sure that everything will turn out ok and you will find help. I wish you the best!