The Disappearing Plumber

Got a big problem on my hands. Contracted with a licensed plumber to do some repair work on my house. Part of the job included a boiler installation. We bought this house in a pretty messy state and one of things the old owner had done was install a state of the art boiler, without permit. But he hadn’t finished the job.

Our plumber was willing to file the permits for a “new” boiler and complete the install, as part of the broader job of fixing fouled pipes. I’ll also add the plumber was well-vouched for and had worked with other trades on the house, so due diligence was done. Electrical work at the house is being done by permit, so we’re not trying to skirt anything here.

Here’s the problem. As the job has wound toward its end, the plumber has not gotten a permit like he was paid to do, and while he’s done almost all the work, including checking and doing the final hookup of the boiler, he has disappeared. Gone for a month. Can’t reach him by phone at all. He’s even owed a decent chunk of money on completion of the job, so it’s in his interest to return. I’m losing faith he will.

We need to get this boiler official, and get the thing turned on. It’s all there save the permit to install it in the first place.

What are our options? Thanks.