[3Bulge68]

Paid Driveway Coatings of Lady Lake $850 for repairs on our driveway on April 10, 2023. The job is botched with paint crisscrossed on driveway of a very different color. Called James (contractor) several times and he never returned to the property nor returned our calls. Sent a certified letter to no avail. Went to Crimes Against Seniors and although they spoke to James several times no resolution. This has been over a month and James has no intention of returning to fix the job. My next step is Small Claims court although the filing fee is a third of the bill I paid James, it appears to be my only attempt at getting this fixed or money refunded. Stay away from Driveway Coatings and James 352-250-2564 or Casey 352-460-8455.

[retiredguy123]

Sorry it happened. This website is loaded with similar complaints from homeowners who paid for work in advance and lost their money. The story is the same, but with different contractors. Lots of them. In my opinion, small claims court is a waste of time. I would never pay money in advance to any contractor. And, I assume that the contractor refused to accept a credit card, where you would have recourse through your bank.

[villagetinker]

Add the filing fee to the amount requested, no idea what a lien of his house would cost, but that might be another option.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by 3Bulge68

Paid Driveway Coatings of Lady Lake $850 for repairs on our driveway on April 10, 2023. The job is botched with paint crisscrossed on driveway of a very different color. Called James (contractor) several times and he never returned to the property nor returned our calls. Sent a certified letter to no avail. Went to Crimes Against Seniors and although they spoke to James several times no resolution. This has been over a month and James has no intention of returning to fix the job. My next step is Small Claims court although the filing fee is a third of the bill I paid James, it appears to be my only attempt at getting this fixed or money refunded. Stay away from Driveway Coatings and James 352-250-2564 or Casey 352-460-8455.

I've mentioned small claims court to others. In New York it was like $18 to file. I used it twice and collected both times. That is some kind of record. Many victories in small claims court are never paid. I do wonder if due to the high fees they help you to prepare the case and collect if you win. An often problem is people sue the wrong entity. Common, incorporated under a different name than on the card or paperwork.
I would carefully photograph the issue for use when you file and when you appear in court. I assume you have other written estimates. Assuming that you win and collect,
I would sue for a complete new job and court costs. If, the contractor does not reply, you WIN. Collecting, you may need to contact the sheriff to collect.