The contractor agreed to put a porch ramp and deck on my parents' house. My father gave him a check for two-thirds of the job and the contractor only worked 3.5 days in the last 2 months. The contractor won't return my parents' calls.
Most states - probably all have a Contractors Board. For instance, in my state it's official title is State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
They do all sorts of things - including investigation of complaints. Contractors typically respond when this agency becomes involved as the contractors licence can be revoked in addition to other penalties.
Check this out before pursuing a claim in court- it could save you much time and money.
Unfortunately you will have to take the contractor to small claims court and obtain a judgement...which doesn't guarantee you will get the money immediately or at all...you may end up chasing them for years until the court puts a lien or garnishment on them.
I'm so sorry to hear what happened to your parents. Shame on the contractor for taking advantage of the elderly. I would try escalating this through the Better Business Bureau, going to the media, or using social media to shame them. If its out and out fraud try going to the police for help. I don't know how big this company is but maybe even writing to the owner might help. I hope you are able to get some money back for your parents.
I would report the contractor to the Better Business Bureau, the State's Attorney, and the police. Then consult a lawyer. Theft by fraud is a criminal offense and in Illinois it is an aggravated offense if the victim is a senior.
Do your parents want the job finished, or do they want their money back? First of all, decide which.
If they want the job finished, see if you can get hold of the contractor yourself and work out a schedule. If they want their money back, you'll need to see what it says in the contractor's contract - if there was one - about time allowed for the job; and, if the contractor is in breach of the agreed terms, take it from there. If there was no contract, then again what I'd do is try to get hold of the contractor and find out what's going on - has he taken the money and run, or does he have every intention of completing the work... eventually...
In any case, I wouldn't start from the assumption that you're dealing with sharks who've intentionally cheated your parents. Delays and unexplained absences are incredibly common in the small building trade, so to avoid court costs and stress it's well worth seeing what you can do first of all to reach agreement direct.
Although, actually, another important point to consider is: did your parents decide they wanted this work done and then hire a contractor? Or did some bloke knock on their door one day and talk them into giving him money for a fantasy building project, dump a couple of sacks of cement in their yard and then clear off with their money? See what you can find out about the firm they hired.
I think only one or two people mentioned the state Contractor's board. Start there. Then you can find out if they have a license, also if they don't fulfill their obligations their license can be revoked. Then if they don't have a license start doing the other stuff. Also, go to their office and find out why they haven't finished the job. Maybe someone in the hospital or something.
I bet he doesn't have a contractors license. That is the first thing you have to find out. Then the BBB. If they get nowhere then a lawyer may be you best bet. If your parents can't afford it, see if there is a lawyer who works with the Office of Aging. He can write a formal letter asking for reimbursement or the job finished and done right. I would assume a township permit was gotten. If so, then the Township will need to inspect the work upon completion. I would make that a provision before the balance is paid. That the Township OK'd the work. I have had a lot of work done and never has a contractor ask for more than half of the final cost. Do not threaten a lawyer if you don't plan on following thru. Good Luck.
... yeah they post 5 days ago and never return. Sounds like a staged blogger for the site. (Now watch, magically they'll pop back saying they lost internet or went on vacation or had an emergency)
Perhaps your are correct Tired1of4. Their profile says they care for their mother, living at home. Do they do this just to keep interest in the Agingcare site?
They do all sorts of things - including investigation of complaints. Contractors typically respond when this agency becomes involved as the contractors licence can be revoked in addition to other penalties.
Check this out before pursuing a claim in court- it could save you much time and money.
Angel
If they want the job finished, see if you can get hold of the contractor yourself and work out a schedule. If they want their money back, you'll need to see what it says in the contractor's contract - if there was one - about time allowed for the job; and, if the contractor is in breach of the agreed terms, take it from there. If there was no contract, then again what I'd do is try to get hold of the contractor and find out what's going on - has he taken the money and run, or does he have every intention of completing the work... eventually...
In any case, I wouldn't start from the assumption that you're dealing with sharks who've intentionally cheated your parents. Delays and unexplained absences are incredibly common in the small building trade, so to avoid court costs and stress it's well worth seeing what you can do first of all to reach agreement direct.
Although, actually, another important point to consider is: did your parents decide they wanted this work done and then hire a contractor? Or did some bloke knock on their door one day and talk them into giving him money for a fantasy building project, dump a couple of sacks of cement in their yard and then clear off with their money? See what you can find out about the firm they hired.
I have had a lot of work done and never has a contractor ask for more than half of the final cost.
Do not threaten a lawyer if you don't plan on following thru. Good Luck.
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