AWOL Builder
DEAR TIM: My builder has deserted me. There are several
things to finish on my job. However, even though I am holding back $2,750.00, I
can't get him back to finish. Why would he not want to collect the money that I
still have? U. A.
DEAR U. A.: Based upon the list of
items you described which need to be completed, I feel I know the answer to your
problem. Believe it or not, the value of the work which remains to be completed
is probably in excess of $6,000.00. If your builder does not return to finish,
it appears that he will have gotten more money from you than he
deserves.
This is a common problem. It can be avoided very simply. You
must only advance money to your builder for actual work completed. You probably
would not be in this situation had you obtained a
detailed cost
breakdown at the beginning of your job.
How would you like me to build your new home? It's probably impossible for me to fit your job into my schedule, but I will gladly share hundreds of my tricks and building secrets with you and your builder. Check out my New House Specifications.
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Comments:Welcome! I, Tim
Carter, don't answer questions
here. If you post a question here in the Comments Area,
perhaps another visitor will help you. You need to go to the Ask
Tim page if you want a question answered. Once there, look
closely at how many weeks behind we are. Please be patient as you use
this free service. If you have an emergency and need to talk to me,
there is an option there for you.
Sue 19 Feb 2008, 14:23
My builder demanded a very large final payment a whole month before the
home was completed. He bullied me and even resorted to violence. I had
the detailed payment schedule which he chose to disregard when he got
strapped for cash. He filed a false lien and frivolous law suit for
retaliation.
AsktheBuilder 26 Feb 2008, 20:29
Sue,
I sure hope you withheld the payment......
SUE 02 Mar 2008, 13:27
Comment on answer to Sue.
I withheld part of payment and faced retaliation that continues to this day as a result. I have filed complaints to consumer agencies and when he is notified I receive threats and vandalism in an effort to scare me into not talking. Has anyone experienced abuses like this? I have hired many good contractors over the years so I know that this isn't the norm. View all comments |
