What legal actions can be done?

I have a contractor that has gone awol. Not answering phone messages or emails and has gone completely MIA. Problem is he has gone MIA with checks i’ve paid. He subcontracted out the work and was unlicensed (but may have worked for another company).

I know the last point may be limiting on what I can get back but I wanted to know what actions/results can I expect. Contracts have been signed for the work and receipt for checks have been written but that’s the extent of what I have. Fraud charges?

voltron

in General Contractors 13 years and 8 months ago

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slopefarm | 13 years and 8 months ago

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How much money are you out and how much will it cost to complete with another contractor?  You should get your estimates and go ahead and complete the job with someone else, and [this is thumbnail sketch, not legal advice] think of your damages as the amount more you paid in total to the old and new contractor to complete the project than you would have if AWOL Contracting had completed the job per the agreed price.  But if AWOL hadn’t started and has pocketed your checks, they that’s the amount you would seek.  Before you start paying a lawyer, you need to start thinking about how much legal fees will eat into your damages and the likelihood or not that you will collect if successful.  It’s not worth the time, agita or money if your recovery would be small.

starfish11040 | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Steve,
Does that mean if you win a case in small claims court against a licensed contractor, you can collect the judgement from the completion bond?

stevecym | 13 years and 8 months ago

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On one hand the unlicensed part goes in your favor because he cannot defend himself, however, being unlicensed means he does not have a completion bond to go after (let’s say its very unlikely he has a bond).  Consumers should be aware that licensed home improvement contractors in NYC are required to carry a $20,000 completion bond.

Steve

billy | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I just filed a lawsuit after finding out my contractor was unlicensed among other things. The case is very much in your favor and you can quite possibly get a judgement unless he is defiant enough to try and defend himself. Judgements are good for 20 years but it is difficult to say what you can expect. If he has any assets you can lien against him as well as have collection agencies harass him. I would suggest doing so and also file with the DCA and BBB to spread the word.

stevecym | 13 years and 8 months ago

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If he is unlicensed and you take him to court, the judge will find in your favor.  In NYC an unlicensed contractor has no defense in court. 

Steve