We hired a contractor to build a new deck at our house. Constructed started, then was delayed due to our decking being out of stock. Once the decking arrived, installation started and then abruptly ended. Text messages to him was one excuse after another. He eventually stopped replying to my messages. I believe the original cost estimate was $15,000. He collected $7000 from us to get started. My question is should I sue him personally in small claims court for the max $5000 or sue his LLC? Should I complain to the licensing board I Idaho first. I found out he had a license only in Texas at the time but now he has one in Idaho, since 7/19/21. He was not licensed in Idaho at the time of our hiring him in Sept. 2020.
In answer to your question, you should definetly file a complaint with the Bureau of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Here is the link:
https://apps.dopl.idaho.gov/DOPLPortal/BoardAdditional.aspx?Bureau=CON&BureauLinkID=230
They can repremand him, fine him, and revoke his registration. However, they cannot recover any funds on your behalf or require him to refund your money.
Whar is the value of the material that was delivered. Is it more than $2,000 and could another contractor use it to finish the project. Either way, I would file a small claims court case against him for the max $5000.
Let me know if you have any questions.
CHUCK MILLER
GMB-GRADUATE MASTER BUILDER
GMR-GRADUATE MASTER REMODELER
CGB-CERTIFIED GRADUATE BUILDER
CGR-CERTIFIED GRADUATE REMODELER
MCGP-MASTER CERTIFIED GREEN PROFESSIONAL
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CAPS-CERTIFIED AGING-IN-PLACE SPECIALIST
MIRM-MASTER IN RESIDENTIAL MARKETING
CMP-CERTIFIED NEW HOME MARKETING PROFESSIONAL
MCSP-MASTER CERTIFIED NEW HOME SALES PROFESSIONAL
CSP-CERTIFIED NEW HOME SALES PROFESSIONAL
CHUCK MILLER CONSULTING LLC
3201 W BELLOMY LN
BOISE, IDAHO 83703
PHONE: (208) 571-0755 FAX: (208) 575-2648
IDAHO REGISTRATION NO. RCE-45769
WWW.CHUCKMILLERCONSULTING.COM
Thanks for responding Chuck. I wonder since the contractor did not have an Idaho license at the time of our project initiation if this will make a difference in court or with the contractors licensing board?
We hired another contractor who was able to finish the job using the supplies we had purchased.
Thanks again for responding, much appreciated!