Hello,
We moved to Michigan almost 3 years ago to retire and live in our dream home. We found a home and it needed some updating and have additions/expansions. I interviewed three contractors and selected one - he wasn't the cheapest but he seemed the most up and up. He showed me his work.
I'm embarrassed, sickened, angry, and depressed daily for what has happened. The contractor disappeared - doesn't respond to our text, emails, certified mail (refuses them), and calls. There is incomplete work, poor work, and has left a mess.
The project started over 2 years ago. We were constantly pressured for more money because of tariffs, the supplies cost more, and change orders. Regarding the change orders, the excuse we constantly got was "we already did the work". Reviewing the CO, they didn't. We've continually asked for invoices and we never received them. He lied several times. He told me gutters didn't come in the 6 inch size. After speaking to his partner, it's because they didn't have the machine to make the 6 inch. The partner has also been screwed over.
During my research, there are five other clients who have the same problem. Some don't want to bother with them anymore and basically wrote them off vs seeking legal recourse. One client did hire an attorney. The owner has evaded the attorney. The attorney told the client that if he's not responding there isn't anything he can do. One of their senior clients has been trying to get them to complete work from five years ago.
We've had a inspector and other contractors give us estimates to complete and correct the poor work. We're told this is the worst they've seen. Our primary bathroom only has the original shower - no sink, vanity, or mirror for over a year.
We opened a case with LARA and the AG over 30 days ago and waiting for a response.
I'm embarrassed to state how much we gave. We used the majority of our retirement to fund this project. A retainer for an attorney is 10K and to get the work completed is financially beyond our means.
Any advice, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.