Originally Posted by bilcon (Post 2126809)

Moral of the Story. Don't use some fly-by-night handyman for a major job. There are too many reputable painting and woodworking firms around TV for a big job like you wanted. I have never paid for any work in advance because I use companies that have capital to buy their supplies. You get what you pay for. Cruel lesson.:sad:sad:

Originally Posted by midiwiz (Post 2126424)

It is with a heavy heart that one of our local contractors has followed the path of others. Recently we had Duane at Color Splash Painting (also a handyman) over to do an estimate for trim work. He has done other jobs for us, all reasonably on time and had been given deposits before. So we figured not an issue.

This time, he decided to cash this check at a check cashing facility rather than a bank. Which means a stop payment does not work (learned a new one). We wrote a check for $1000 as a deposit for about $3500 of work. I was supposed to get a call the next day - didn't. Was supposed to meet him to select and pay for the trim - didn't hear a word. Several text messages unanswered, several voice mails not returned.

So here we sit I had to pay the check cashing company while he has my $1000. even had a friend call him -he answered - said he would call me - never did.

I now have to try several avenues to get my funds back, a lot of work to do ahead and still have the trim work to be done.

I do not recommend using this vendor. You could be next .

Originally Posted by midiwiz (Post 2126424)

It is with a heavy heart that one of our local contractors has followed the path of others. Recently we had Duane at Color Splash Painting (also a handyman) over to do an estimate for trim work. He has done other jobs for us, all reasonably on time and had been given deposits before. So we figured not an issue.

This time, he decided to cash this check at a check cashing facility rather than a bank. Which means a stop payment does not work (learned a new one). We wrote a check for $1000 as a deposit for about $3500 of work. I was supposed to get a call the next day - didn't. Was supposed to meet him to select and pay for the trim - didn't hear a word. Several text messages unanswered, several voice mails not returned.

So here we sit I had to pay the check cashing company while he has my $1000. even had a friend call him -he answered - said he would call me - never did.

I now have to try several avenues to get my funds back, a lot of work to do ahead and still have the trim work to be done.

Also, report the guy who screwed your over to Crimes Against Seniors.

I do not recommend using this vendor. You could be next .

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2126617)

My bank has no 90 day rule. If he deposited the money into his account, he had to endorse it, so the funds could be transferred from your account into his account. This is the same as cashing the check.

"When Can You Stop Payment On A Check?
Generally speaking, stopping payment on a check is possible at any time prior to the check being cashed. Once the check has been cashed by its recipient, the person who wrote or authorized the check will not be able to make a stop payment with their bank."

I was just clarifying the rules for stopping payment on a check, made by another poster.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2126646)

If the contractor presented the check to the check cashing company prior to the stop payment order being issued, the check is valid. When a stop payment order is issued, other banks and check cashing businesses are notified that the check is no longer valid, and it is their responsibility to check the database of stop payment orders before cashing any check. But, if the contractor presented the check after the stop payment order was issued, then the check should not be paid. The only way a stop payment order works is when it is issued before the payee cashes the check.

Originally Posted by midiwiz (Post 2126599)

actually that's incorrect. you don't have to stop payment before he's endorsed it - case in point he deposits the money in his account - you can still stop payment up to 90 days from the date of writing the check. In my case it was stopped within 48 hours.

In either case there are time limits as another poster pointed out the stop is 'gone' after 180 days which is correct.


However I didn't post this for couseling on stop payments, collecting the money or anything it was to report a bad contractor that shouldn't be used.

Originally Posted by midiwiz (Post 2126424)

It is with a heavy heart that one of our local contractors has followed the path of others. Recently we had Duane at Color Splash Painting (also a handyman) over to do an estimate for trim work. He has done other jobs for us, all reasonably on time and had been given deposits before. So we figured not an issue.

This time, he decided to cash this check at a check cashing facility rather than a bank. Which means a stop payment does not work (learned a new one). We wrote a check for $1000 as a deposit for about $3500 of work. I was supposed to get a call the next day - didn't. Was supposed to meet him to select and pay for the trim - didn't hear a word. Several text messages unanswered, several voice mails not returned.

So here we sit I had to pay the check cashing company while he has my $1000. even had a friend call him -he answered - said he would call me - never did.

I now have to try several avenues to get my funds back, a lot of work to do ahead and still have the trim work to be done.

I do not recommend using this vendor. You could be next .

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2126439)

Can someone please explain the purpose for a deposit when no work has been done? I would never give a deposit to a contractor. But, if for some reason I did, I would insist on the contractor accepting a credit card.

Originally Posted by bilcon (Post 2126809)

Moral of the Story. Don't use some fly-by-night handyman for a major job. There are too many reputable painting and woodworking firms around TV for a big job like you wanted. I have never paid for any work in advance because I use companies that have capital to buy their supplies. You get what you pay for. Cruel lesson.:sad::sad:

Originally Posted by DAVES (Post 2126563)

A bit confusing. Re: check cashing service. I would call your bank. There is a time period that you must stop payment before. I expect the contractor went to a check cashing service for which HE PAYS a significant fee because he owes people money and their is a lien on his bank account.

My priority would be to get your money back. If, you hire someone else and he shows up to do the work, it will of course get messy.

We used James Rockholt of Rockholt Painting 603 391-6658 price was good, work was GREAT. They painted our entire exterior. The speed, the quality, the painting TEAM wow it was impressive.

Originally Posted by midiwiz (Post 2126424)

It is with a heavy heart that one of our local contractors has followed the path of others. Recently we had Duane at Color Splash Painting (also a handyman) over to do an estimate for trim work. He has done other jobs for us, all reasonably on time and had been given deposits before. So we figured not an issue.

This time, he decided to cash this check at a check cashing facility rather than a bank. Which means a stop payment does not work (learned a new one). We wrote a check for $1000 as a deposit for about $3500 of work. I was supposed to get a call the next day - didn't. Was supposed to meet him to select and pay for the trim - didn't hear a word. Several text messages unanswered, several voice mails not returned.

So here we sit I had to pay the check cashing company while he has my $1000. even had a friend call him -he answered - said he would call me - never did.

I now have to try several avenues to get my funds back, a lot of work to do ahead and still have the trim work to be done.

I do not recommend using this vendor. You could be next .