No invoice and threatening lien
10/27/2016 at 7:35:13 PM
Have a contractor who has offered up a balance via email which is well beyond what was anticipated. Asked for a break down on costs, permits and labor and he refuses to cooperate, giving vague numbers and has increased rate of pay.
I requested 3 times for a breakdown and he has now decided to pull permits and is threatening a lien.
What can I do?
10/28/2016 at 7:52:47 AM
Does he have a Metro License, If so call and report him. They will start an investigation right away. He would have to be licensed to get your permit.
Tell him if he liens you will pay it into court to lift the lien and then you will let the courts decide. Call his bluff!!
10/28/2016 at 8:16:32 AM
If you have a written estimate detailing the work he was to preform and the cost of that work you are fine. If there are items and or problems that came up that were not in the estimate or even little extras, these are all
considered extras, over and above the original Estimate. Very often the court leans towards the contractor. Write this contractor a very nice letter, telling him you do not have a problem paying this invoice and again
in a very nice tone ask him to break down all the cost so you can see where it all went. Compliment him often in the letter about certain things they did well in the job and even mention you'll recommend him to some
other people. Unfortunately maybe none of this is true but people react different to compliments. Court could be much more expensive. Talk to a Lawyer if you feel it is worth it.
10/29/2016 at 8:51:49 AM
I believe James and Tim have answered this one.
Good luck!
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