Ripped off by a contractor ?
I just signed a contract with a contractor for a total amount of $13k. Just paid the 1/3 deposit and i just got quote from 4 other guys all around $3k. So clearly I am being ripped off by the guy I signed with (I know I should have not signed before getting additional quote…
I just signed a contract with a contractor for a total amount of $13k. Just paid the 1/3 deposit and i just got quote from 4 other guys all around $3k. So clearly I am being ripped off by the guy I signed with (I know I should have not signed before getting additional quote – my mistake). But my question is: what is my recourse ? Can I take the contractor to small claim court for overcharging ?
So that is why the pictures of your house on brooklynrowhouse.com look like they were renovated by a 9 year old. Thank you for sharing.
2:46: I’ve been renovating old houses since I was 9 years old. I laid my first sidewalk at age 11, my first stone wall at 13, wired my first basement at 14. I’ve built three residential lofts, two commercial audio recording studios and two restaurants.
Some of us yuppie homeowners know a helluva lot more about construction than many incompetents who call themselves “home improvement contractors” by virtue of getting a 70% passing grade on a 30 question DCA test.
its always amazing when yuppie homeonwers who have never gotten their hands dirty in their life think they know what is expensive and what isnt. clueless!!
How about confronting him without arguing? Ask him if perhaps he made a mistake. If he takes the strong arm approach and says a contract is a contract, then if you use him torture him every step of the way. Point out every imperfection. If no work has been started, then perhaps hiring an attorney will be worth the savings. Always ask to be named coinsured and make sure they have workmen’s compensation and liability insurance documents.
Exactly, 7:07. That was my thought too.
It’s hard to imagine a job that costs only 3k and requires a contractor. The poster should know that there’s a difference between contractors who use licensed workers, know city codes, etc., and those who don’t. And I’d say that references are just as important as the price quote.
Ask him for his licenses. If he does not have a licenses you will automatically win in small claims court. Try to find some fault first. If he is using someone else’s license or no insurance.
The question about permits is a good one. You have no way of knowing if the low bidders will come in on budget or if they’ll run over. (same for high bidder). But you have three options —
Stop payment on the check to the first contractor, or ask him nicely for a settlement — maybe he’ll take two grand to walk away and you’ll get two grand back from him. Otherwise you made a $4,000 deposit on a learning experience. Consider it cheap for re-learning what the point of getting estimates is.
how about some names here so no one else uses this guy…