[crash]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Reputable contractors will always perform a job without being paid in advance. If it is a large project, you can always agree to make progress payments, based on the value of work actually completed. But, never ever pay for work that has not been completed. I never pay in advance, and I have had no problem hiring good contractors to do all kinds of work. If they require a payment in advance, I just tell them that we cannot do business and that I will hire another contractor. There is no temptation at all for me.

Not sure many contractors are going to start work on a project that is $40,000 with out getting some money up front. The contract called for money up front to start the job then a payment once the window was ready to go in and the bath was ready for tile. My mistake was making a payment out of the reserve before the job was finished.

[crash]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

OP, please contact Seniors against crime and file a complaint. Then check to see if any liens have been filed on your house, if so, report these to SAG also. As noted above you can get a attorney but SAG is free, part of the Florida Attorney General, and may get the results you want.

Thanks tinker planning on doing exactly that.

I posted this to try and prevent this from happening to anyone else. I agree I messed up but that ship has sailed.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by crash

Not sure many contractors are going to start work on a project that is $40,000 with out getting some money up front. The contract called for money up front to start the job then a payment once the window was ready to go in and the bath was ready for tile. My mistake was making a payment out of the reserve before the job was finished.

I disagree. I have done many construction projects over the years, several in excess of $100K, and I have never paid any money in advance. A good contractor will sign a contract and have sufficient assets or credit to fund the project startup. Any contractor who needs money before starting work is a contractor who I won't do business with.

[Sensei]

Rae Builders Family in Wildwood may be able to resolve this mess. They were spot on with our kitchen remodel.
352-973-7710

[Skunky1]

Beware of roofing companies that tell you that you have more than 20% damage to your roof due to a storm last year. I have seen one of these contractors climb up on my neighbors roof and purposely destroyed shingles.When you file a claim with your insurance company and have the roof replaced your insurance rates will go up

[ColdNoMore]

What a nightmare!


Thank you OP, for letting everyone know...so that it doesn't happen to someone else.


Good luck.

[greenflash245]

are they licensed and insured for starters? there are a lot of them out there just waiting for your call

[crash]

Yes they are licensed and insured not sure that helped. I have a claim into his insurance for water damage when the roof was off. They sent out an adjuster still waiting to see what they will pay.

[anothersteve]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I disagree. I have done many construction projects over the years, several in excess of $100K, and I have never paid any money in advance. A good contractor will sign a contract and have sufficient assets or credit to fund the project startup. Any contractor who needs money before starting work is a contractor who I won't do business with.

Well I disagree.
I was in construction for 39yrs and it's always been
one third deposit at the start with contract, one third payment at the middle and the final third when the job is complete and the customer is 100% satisfied.
You can never trust those damn homeowners

Steve

[Maryland04]

Sorry to hear your story. Never, never ever pay anything upfront to any contractor. You need to make they have not put a lein on your home, chect with the county.

[Nancy@Pinellas]

we are having some roofing done and will need someone to repair stucco afterward.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

Originally Posted by anothersteve

Well I disagree.
I was in construction for 39yrs and it's always been
one third deposit at the start with contract, one third payment at the middle and the final third when the job is complete and the customer is 100% satisfied.
You can never trust those damn homeowners

Steve

Steve I agree, I have over 40 years in the Biz and would never do a $100,000 job without draws. $2000 t0 $5000 maybe. Depends on the account. Len

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

OP, please contact Seniors against crime and file a complaint. Then check to see if any liens have been filed on your house, if so, report these to SAG also. As noted above you can get a attorney but SAG is free, part of the Florida Attorney General, and may get the results you want.

Thanks for sharing this info

[cbv0211]

It seems like you have to cross your fingers and toes hoping that a contracted job will come out well. We used Melton Construction for one job and All Season Rooms to enclose our lanai. We were very happy with both contractors. Landscapers & lawn maintenance were a whole other issue. The first landscaper was a nightmare and the lawn guy just disappeared with our and other clients money. Welcome to Florida!

[Bryan]

For those worrying about making sure subcontractors are paid, Florida has something called a "Release of Lien". Contact Seniors Vs Crime or the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for more details.