I hired a handyman who did terrible work

12/4/2015 at 7:07:42 PM

These are just a few pics.

12/4/2015 at 11:17:39 PM

Hi Jacqueline,

Well for one its good a you have photos to prove the half a... job that was done pardon my french. Anyway, to answer to your question is NO you do not have to pay him. No written contract between the 2 parties. Also as for putting a lean on your home it will cost him more money that he dosnt have to do so. In fact you can take him to court for not finishing the job properly. Is he a licensed contractors...that will also help you.

12/5/2015 at 7:17:16 AM

Thank you Joseph. I'm at home alone and my husband works out west, so this guy has been a little pushy. Being new to the area and not knowing many people it's a bit worry sum when he's threatening to put a lien on my home. I'm not even sure if he's licensed. We had our house built and he is the brother of our builder, who does the carpentry work in the house. So I was very surprised at the mess he made. He offered to come and fix it, on the advice of his lawyer, (is what he told me), but I don't want him back in my house. With good reason. He also has my house key and garage opener, which is not a big deal, that I can take care of, but he won't respond, when I ask him if I can have them back. What a nightmare... And this is a brand new home!

12/5/2015 at 10:33:28 AM

He's now telling me, that he's going to make sure I have to pay all his legal fee's. Never again!!!

12/5/2015 at 11:55:04 AM

Hi Jacqualine,

It is always upsetting to hear these stories, for homeowners and good contractors alike. The biggest thing I want to get to right away is he is just threatening so you pay, and he may try to bully you to pay because he knows he has no other option. My advice to you is this, DO NOT pay him another cent, the only way he can put a lien on your house is if he has documented contracts to take to the municipal court, there are actually many things that you need in order to put a lien on a property and he definitely has none of them. Next I would document all of your contact with him, emails, text messages, anything that may be construed as harassment, and then get your locks changed and the pass-code to the garage, of if he has the opener, get it replaced, and if anything you can sue. You actually have a case, and he does not. But seriously, the last thing you want is someone like this guy having access to your house, especially if he knows your the only one there. Also, if you do want to proceed with suing him, you can always find another contractor to review and document the quality of work as being sub standard. The downside is courts will allow the contractor to fix the mistakes or pay, and the last thing you would want is him in your home again.

I wish you the best of luck with this, and hope your able to get your property back and feel safer in your home going forward!

12/5/2015 at 12:07:44 PM

Jacqualine,

The short answer is NO. With our a written contract he cannot put a lien on your place, nor could he afford to do so.You have the pictures and a good story so stick to your current views. He did not do a good job and his timing was caused you all sotrs of hardship, including hiring someone else. You do not own him anything. If he persists, I would call his bluff and tell him to bring in a building inspector, at his expense. I would also let your builder know the situation (all of it).Time to move on and try to forget this situation. There are many more GOOD contractors out there. Sorry to hear of your experience.

Regards from Alberta.

12/5/2015 at 12:30:22 PM

You guys are awesome, a huge thank you for your input. I'm one of these women that know, not all men are alike. LOL

Merry Christmas and thank you, again.

Jacqualine

12/6/2015 at 1:36:14 PM

Sorry to hear of your situation. Write him a very nice letter specifically addressing the work you are not happy with and a copy of the pictures to him, specifically say you will not pay him any more money as you will now have to hire someone to fix your issues and you do not wish him back on your property. Send this letter registered and also send a copy to his brother and tell him he may not want to recommend his brother as finish carpenter again. Hope it works out, and don"t worry about him coming at you financially just ask him for a receipt with his business number and GST number as you wish to follow up with CRA and there is a very good chance you will never see him again.

12/6/2015 at 5:04:13 PM

Hi,

I have read all of the replies from contractors. And they are 100 percent correct.

I would add one thing you should do.

I would phone the police and tell them what has gone on. And ask them to get your garage door opener and house key from him. Explain he has not answered your requests.