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Options when homeowner refuses to pay charges for remodel work

Arizona

I am an electrician, not licensed, retired, self employed; I was asked to do some remodel upgrades by the owner to his home. I have done work for this homeowner in the past and felt we had a good working relationship. Initially he asked me for an estimate, to compare it to another estimate he received. he also stated that he needed this work done ASAP as he wanted to rent it out as an Air BNB. There were 5 items he requested, one of which was a pool heater. I told him I needed pool heater specs so I could determine wire size, conduit etc.. He also told me he had hired a General contractor and wanted me to work with him. I began the work the following Monday, still no pool info, and so I just kept working. The GC and the owner added more to their list of electrical requests. The owner and the GC both knew I was there working, house was vacant but GC and other trades were showing up. The GC commented to me that everything looked good so I left to other jobs. I submitted my Invoice to owner, who is now refusing to honor, because he says I did not give him an estimate and my charges were too much. I told him, no estimate was given because I did not get info I needed, he wanted work done ASAP so I pulled off other jobs to accommodate him. Both him and GC knew I started working there, and at no time did they bring up estimate for work we discussed or all the additions until I finished and left. I have reached out to him, and even offered to walk project and go over project line per line. No response, would like to know my options

1 reply

Dec 1, 2021
If you are not a licensed contractor, you likely don't have any options. If you are performing labor/installation of products on a home, you need to have a contractor's license under Arizona law. If you do not have a license, you cannot sue to collect damages for money owed for unlicensed work. The best you can do is try to negotiate a voluntary settlement, because you have no leverage to force the owner to pay you anything.
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