contractor complaint

We hired an aquaintance to finish our basement. With a discount he gave us a low bid. Too low because instead of asking for more money, he packed up and left with it not quite 1/2 done. No notice, nothing just left and his partner told us he was not coming back. Now we will have to spend more than we financed, but we only had a oral agreement(our Mistake).. I want to report his lack of ethics in his business, he is new and I feel he should at least be reported about what he did to us. Can you help?? Thanks!!

 

Not sure what kind of help you are asking for. I would, however, send him a letter by certified mail, with return receipt, and explain your concerns and ask if he intends to finish the job.

Even tho you did not have a signed contract, you might explore small claims court, for resolution.

Did you pay all of the money "up-front"? If so, now you know why you should not have.

If all else fails, file a report with the Better Business Bureau.

 

Cindy:
Sorry about your problems. But look at it as a lesson in life as I am going to point out to you. Many many people do exactly what you do. Hire the cheapest guy. In construction if you hire cheap, you get cheap. And believe me, cheap cost more money. You would be ablosutely astounded at the number of jobs we get called to finish where other contractors, built cheap and left. Not much you can do. One of the first clues for people, is if the contractor does present the owner with a contract that should be a warning sign. Usually contractors present paper work before starting to be assured they will get paid.
In these times of of a good building enviroment, you will see alot of want to be contractors popping up. When the economy changes, they disappear, but the old standbys are still there. Believe me not all contractors are like the one you had. Move on and don't let it upset your life. Good Luck