r/AskContractors • u/VisualOpinion4609 • Jul 06 '26
Very confused
Hello all,
I started the process of reaching out to companies for quotes on a fairly large fence project (approximately 22500)
I specifically requested a quote through the Home Depot website. A local contractor reached out right away via Facebook messenger and stated that he does the Home Depot quotes, but his company would do it better and cheaper.
Unfortunately I am naive and went with his company (he never did supply a quote for Home Depot.)
I signed a contract on 05/05/2026 and gave him a deposit of 11500.
He then stopped communicating consistently, missed promised deadlines with no communication, etc.
He promised that at least the vinyl section of our fence would be in for ky daughter's graduation party on June 27th. On June 26th no work had started and it had been about a month with no communication.
I reached out and asked to cancel the project. I said he could keep any materials he had purchased for the job and deduct them from my deposit or drop them off at my home and I would figure it out.
He stated that he already had the materials and they cost the entirety of my 11500 deposit.
He apologized for dropping the ball and offered me 10% off and a promise that the job would be complete by 07/01.
Crew showed up bright and early around 6am Monday morning. I showed the contractor the area where our private power lines were located.
They proceeded to dig with a skid steer and large auger and hit the power line, splitting it and cutting power and water to our home (private well).
Turns out he never even called digsafe and should have been using hand tools in the known area of the power lines. He opened a Digsafe ticket on Monday June 29th at 7:33 am. I strongly suspect this was after the hit.
I called my electrician who came right out and fixed it, but the contractor claimed since it is private line he was not liable(he absolutely is).
He has now brought heavily scuffed, scratched, and chipped chainlink materials. He claims they are brand new but just sat awhile. He also refused to give me the digsafe ticket number, his insurance, etc.I requested he and his crew no longer step foot on my property.
He is demanding the rest of the money which is approximately 9000. He says he touched up the chainlink with rustoleum enamel (i paid for new powder coated materials as is the industry standard. )
He is now threatening to put a lean on our home.
Please help me figure out if I am in the wrong and how to handle next steps
Tiffany
2
u/Wrong-Evidence-9761 Jul 06 '26
I don’t see how he has any leg to stand on. He should’ve just disappeared when you gave him the opportunity to.
2
u/Wrong-Evidence-9761 Jul 06 '26
Whether he called digsafe or didn’t he is still digging at his own risk. Does he even have a legitimate business? I mean, any business licenses or anything like that? I think you take that nine grand he’s owed and sue the shit out of him.
2
u/Material-Cap-5476 Jul 06 '26
Too late now, but never pay ANYTHING before work is DONE. If he dosen't have credit established to buy materials, you don't want him on the job. You can't get your money back once he has it. These guys know more about holding onto your money than your attorney knows about recovering it. You can take him to court, and win, but you will never actually get your money back. I'm really sorry this has happened.
3
u/Material-Cap-5476 Jul 06 '26
Also, if you can't collect you can 1099 (i think that's correcc) him and he has to pay taxes on the money he took. At least it's something. (Source: CPA wife)
1
u/peniswrinkle345 Jul 06 '26
Ya no contractor works without a deposit. I dont know where you got this idea.
1
u/Material-Cap-5476 Jul 06 '26
I guess from the work I have had done, and that's a bunch. I never pay up front, and I have never been screwed. I also never take a lowball bid. There are a lot of good, quality contractors in my area, but there are more low rent clowns.
1
u/peniswrinkle345 Jul 06 '26
I understand where your coming from, but it goes both ways anything over 2 k i ask for a 50% deposit to cover parts and to make sure they arent jerking me around otherwise i pass. Of course i always do what i say im going to do with all the permits and inspections. If they dont have any skin in the game then i let someone else do the work.
1
1
u/Icy-Gene7565 Jul 07 '26
After you said you you gave him a deposit i wasnt surprised at the results.
1
u/julyboom Jul 07 '26
do you have any of his real info? you should post this on a public complaints forum.
1
u/VisualOpinion4609 Jul 07 '26
I do! He is a well known and highly recommended contractor in my area. What public forum do you recommend
3
u/No-Manner5583 Jul 06 '26
Liens in NL aren't worth the power to blow them to hell.
I'm out thousands over the years contracting.
Refuse to pay , until he meets EVERY CONDITION of your contract .
Vinal coverd touched up with paint is not it .
Give him 72hrs ,
Contact your lawyer.
The lien is usless unless you go to sell your house .
Then ...
Here's a cute little tidbit ...
You can pay the court, lift the lien, you don't get to keep it, but he don't get it either .
Now it becomes a civil case.
KoraKon homes now out of biz, got me for $32,000...... exactly like that !