renovation nightmare!
I hired a licensed home improvement contractor to make some renovations to my apartment. Insurance and workman’s comp checked out, job sites and past work looked good too. As a coincidence, it turned out my friend knew his relatives and in-laws, stating they were good people. After the contractor obtained a work permit, the contractor…
I hired a licensed home improvement contractor to make some renovations to my apartment. Insurance and workman’s comp checked out, job sites and past work looked good too. As a coincidence, it turned out my friend knew his relatives and in-laws, stating they were good people. After the contractor obtained a work permit, the contractor did not get permits for electrical or plumbing work, nor did he used licensed professionals for that work. I stopped the project and had separate professionals inspect the work — I was told the construction was very shoddy, the electrical and plumbing would fail any type of inspection by the city. The electrical work would also draw violations. They started to close walls up and tile the bathroom walls, so they were preventing any inspection and they can’t say the “I wasn’t finished” excuse.
During the ensuing arguments with the contractor on how to resolve the problems, I discovered that the salesperson had a revoked license when the contract was signed. His license is still revoked and because of numerous complaints, he has a 5-year ban by the Dept of Consumer Affairs. I had missed this earlier when I did license checks because I was unaware that they needed separate licenses and he disguised his last name by omitting a few letters when I had asked. The home improvement contractor himself did not sign the contract but has deposited the checks. Neither know that I’m aware of the revoked license. It was a huge stroke of luck that I was able to find out his real last name.
I had asked for them to come up with a number of how much I should get back for work that was not done correctly… the other contractor estimates I should get back $25,000. I’ve waited 2 weeks for that number and still nothing. A lawsuit doesn’t seem like the immediate option… it will take time and money with little chance to collect. I waiting to consult with a third lawyer… the first one said it wasn’t probably worth it the other wanted to sue right away.
Should I go straight to the Office of the Attorney General (Consumer Frauds Bureau), The Department of Consumer Affairs, or seek professional arbitration (there was no clause about dispute resolution in the contract)? Is there something else I should do?
Thanks for any help!
Another contractor to stay away from. DON’T USE DON PERRONE based in Brooklyn. His company did a bathroom renovation mid-January which he said would take 6-8 days to finish. He even listed on his website that it’s done, which it clearly is not. 2 months later and I’m still waiting for his plumber Doug to come replace the shower body that he broke. I call and text and email and they either don’t return my calls or they don’t show up when they say they’re coming or they keep saying tomorrow, tomorrow. Not to mention, Doug put in my new tub not knowing how to install the trip lever (which stops the drainage), and I wound up with a really cheap push drainer because the trip lever will not function unless he removes the tub. They say they can do small to large jobs and you don’t have to pay upfront, but that’s not the case, they still ask you for the money even if the job is not done. STAY AWAY from these guys.
Thanks for the links! Glad things worked out Denise, I’ll be sure to have all my stuff together.
I experienced a similar situation with a contractor and took my case to DCA. It was a long process but I did eventually win a couple of months ago. No need to hire an attorney but please be sure to have all of your documentation in order.
For more info about DOB violations, see this link, and/or just work your way through the DOB website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/violations/violations.shtml
I’m pretty sure there are homeowner’s evenings at DOB borough offices each Tuesday from 4:00-5:30pm. I’ve never been. I expect you’ll have to enter your address to attend and have no idea whether that opens a can of worms. Borough offices: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/contact/contact.shtml
Understood. One contractor friend did mention cleaning up as much as possible so it doesn’t look like the incredible mess that it is now. I think only the electrical will draw violations, though the shoddy work all around might be an issue. I’m not sure if Consumer Affairs would want to send someone too. Is there a reference as to what DOB fines could be? Thanks again Vinca!
If you NEED a permit, and file for a permit, there’s a good chance that today’s DOB will visit AND hand out a violation. But it’s not a given for them to visit before you start your work, as long as you make sure your application is filed by someone who’s well qualified and experienced. We recently had a surprise (i.e. unscheduled) visit by DOB, even though all our permits, work, licenses, etc. are in order. The contractor’s crew swears that’s because our permits were clearly posted in the front door window and DOB was just walking the neighborhood. The DOB inspector claimed our address was randomly assigned “in Manhattan.” Either way, it was no big whup except for nearly being penalized for not having “No Smoking” signs posted, per DOB’s new regulation (news to us and the contractor, though now we know better—see an earlier post). However, I *have* had experience with DOB during scheduled appointments at which our engineer was present to keep them focused on the specifics of their appointment. I do NOT recommend inviting DOB into your home with only you, the homeowner, giving the grand tour…consider it an engraved invitation for fines and headaches.
Thanks for the advice Vinca (again)! Giovanna and HomeSweetstuy, I hope the very best in your cases… let us know how it goes. Is the AAA site you’re talking about “American Arbitration Association” (www.adr.org)?
One contractor I spoke to said that the DOB might want to come anyway because I will have to file for new work permits and they might want to know what’s going on.
I am ALSO going through the same thing. I filed with the dept of consumer afaairs and am also going to arbitration. I spoke to many lawyers but decided to try to educate myself and forego representation. the complaint forms on the AAA site are very easy to fill out.
DO NOT invite the DO B into your house. Being the honest people we are, when the inspector came knocking we let him in figuring he could HELP us–instead he gave us a stop work order and fine–which on top of everything else –we now have to fight and/or add to our damages.
Giovanna-Please keep us posted on your progress with the department of consumer affairs. thanks.
I am presently dealing with Consumer Affairs Court only. It is an unformal hearing and an attorney isn’t required. I am representing myself, yet the defendant has obtained an attorney.