I am a general contractor and have not been paid per our contract, the Owner is refusing to pay and declining all form of communication with my company...Read More
We were subcontractors in this project, unfortunately the project was not created or updated in Levelset using best practices. We are working to improve our use of this platform to avoid scenarios like this. We are expecting payment from them but we realize that our protection for this job is not stable. How can we protect ourselves best?...Read More
Hello I am a property owner in Florida. It has been just over 1 year since a contractor filed a lien against me after refusing to complete their contract and I withheld the final payment. How do I go about getting the lien removed from my property? Is there some form that I need to file with the state or county?...Read More
I completed a public works job for the City of Dallas on Nov 13. I have not been paid the 7200.00 in retention due from this job. I have already filed through Levelset a Notice of intent and Notice of Retainage Witheld. What are the next steps I need to take to pursue uncollected funds from this job?...Read More
I am a homeowner who has been dealing with a contractor for over 2 years. This is my first home and first renovation project, so I don't know all the steps in certain processes but I pick it up very quick and learn fast. The first step in the mishap that was this contractor that he knowingly signed an architect that was unlicensed and incompetent. That architect cost me 5 month delay and almost 4 grand (his fee, submission fee, and new architect fee). Only reason I stuck it out so long was that the contractor kept telling me that "he's almost done" and "it's best to stick with him for improvement than pay more money". I told the contractor to fire him and we found someone new who got the drawing approved immediately.
Second red flag with this contractor was he was a stop and go. They started a bit later than I would have liked, but I was understanding because the village wanted an insane amount of money for the permits then it took a minute to issue them. So okay, but once the holidays rolled around... it was like they were moving like molasses. I was totally understanding of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and NYE time being out of town, but once the first week of January hit, I expected them to be back to work. Subcontractors went missing for weeks! He had no control or urgency to connect with his subcontractor and get an absolute date on when they would be back. The first year I did not see them again until mid-February. This trend has continued.
The stop and go of the renovation is a consistent trend. He pacifies me with a little bit of movement, claims he's also in the same position because their subcontractors, crying wolf about COVID and costs (that increases in cost could've been avoided) or delays in payment when he is the reason payment was delayed because he took over a week to submit receipts and paperwork (203K loan, thank god). His subcontractors even complained about it being too cold (even though the gas is on but they haven't hooked up the heat). However, last year on my birthday I'd had enough of this bs when one of the subcontractors' family members came with him to work and peed in my kitchen bowls - A GROWN MAN.
My lenders tried to help move thing along with inquiry questions and encouraged me to stick with him for a good while until they were forced to do an Audit where he continuously claim the delay was due to COVID and costs. He gave that same line in every single extension he put in. They are not buying it anymore. They finally gave up on him (he's worked with them before) since he gave them a final date that he'd be done and STILL DID NOT FINISH. They gave up and said to let him go, so I started looking for new contractors. I think I have found one who will put in the bid and be more effective. Now I know what to add to contracts so that I can continue to protect myself and investment.
I am thinking about this from both a financial and legal perspective. I have spoken to a financial advisor and he is in agreement that the financial cost due to the contractors actions is something I should pursue legally, but now I need a legal standpoint. One lawyer I talked to gave me some counterarguments if I came to court with a failure to complete project claim (COVID, personal responsibility, and 203K reimbursement model), but I have faith that it still might be seen by a judge who will see my side, especially because I documented EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING! I made sure I was left out of no conversation regarding my home. It has also been 10 weeks from tomorrow since he or any member of his team has came back to the property, so I thought maybe I can go for a Abandonment of Construction project claim. I'm trying to see what's my best options here in IL. I need to know if I can win and what I will need to win to convince a judge to side with me. I've been telling this man how these delays have been putting me in severe financial burden hardship for over year, been patient, been understanding when subcontractors had funerals and whatnot. I am not heartless, but what I do find heartless is that after 2 years of being adaptable and understanding he would assume I am stupid and just leave. Let me know if you can help. ...Read More
We have discovered by the state that the sales person who sold us our roof contract, representing the company, is not an authorized signatory recognized by the state with that company. The company now wants us to sign an addendum releasing themselves from the contract with an addendum. They are asking to be released from the contract. We are wondering if we sign the addendum will it validate the contract. They want to come pick up their materials and hand us an addendum allowing all parties to walk away. We are looking for someone to review our documents and provide us with further guidance. ...Read More
I’m a homeowner who allowed a friend to live in my basement apartment. The verbal agreement was that he could live in my basement apartment and work on my house in lieu of rent. He was to stay for 2 months but kept doing work so I allowed him to stay longer. While living in the apartment, he got a puppy and the problems started. The dog did damage to my property and his owner refused to clean up after the dog. Eight months later I asked this person to move out. He refused, and kept staying and using all my amenities. He put a lien on my house for about $5,000 for doing work. There was never a written agreement. I had the sheriff’s out to my house as the person was intimidating to say the least. The person moved out on New Year’s Eve 2021. I can’t sell my house or refinance until the lien is paid. I want to file to remove the lien without an attorney. I am on a fixed income....Read More
im renovating my detached garage into a grooming shop...I'm the general contractor/homeowner but have hired a subcontractor to do the work...i was told i need a lien agent before the county will issue a commercial construction permit...do i need a breakdown of supplies cost?...Read More
We are a Solar PV System installer inquiring about Florida building departments and there are timeline laws they are required to adhere by. ...Read More
I am a subcontractor working on a project that I sent a lien out for an open balance from October. On this same project the GC short paid us for the month prior. Can I file a lien at this point for the amount they did not pay from September?...Read More
We are a material supplier who provided materials to an installer who is no longer on the job after materials were provided. Customer added change orders to our contract every other week and due to the constant changing contract amount we waited to submit the notice until we were sure all final quantities of materials were ordered as customer stated more change orders were coming. During this time, customer went silent as he was being fired from the job. Once we found out about the situation, we realized that we missed our preliminary notice deadline based on the last date we actually provided materials.
What are our payment rights?...Read More
Federal homestead improvement loan. I believe that we may have a misinterpretation in Texas law, concerning a requirement that a mechanic lien and note are required in order for our security instrument to be valid.
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