Dad needs some help...

[oniq]

My dad is in a small bind with some fvckers... He did some tiling work in their home, hes a contractor and insured as such. The cost was $900, he did the job and now they refuse to pay. They say that there are spaces between the tiles that vary in size from space to space. Of course they may vary by a minimal amount, but its not that obvious. They were actually on all fours LOOKING for these spaces.

I figure that whether the job is done wrong or right he should be paid, and he didn't do it wrong. He always puts his all in his work.

So anyway, I come to the AT OT community for some help, what can we do in this situation? Obviously small claims or similar, is there any legal documentation that can be handed over to them that specifies that they HAVE to pay for the work? What would you do in his shoes?

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

Call a lawyer who specializes in such disputes. *shrug* otherwise I don't know.

 

[Jeff7181]

He should at least be paid for materials if they're not happy with his work. I suppose if they don't, he could go rip up all the tiles... I think it's perfectly legal for him to do that if they refuse to pay. Of course, he'd probably have to have a police escort =)

 

[theNEOone]

Originally posted by: oniq

I figure that whether the job is done wrong or right he should be paid, and he didn't do it wrong. He always puts his all in his work.

wrong. if he did it wrong, he should not be paid unless he fixes it.

that being said, if he feels that he did the job right and his customer still doesn't pay, then all he can do is take them to court.

 

[Zrom999]

Did they sign any contracts or is there any documentation of the work being done?

 

[conjur]

Were there any specifics mentioned regarding spacing between tiles? Grout (or whatever it is) to use between the tiles?

Any paper contracts signed guaranteeing such or work in general?

Tell him to file a lien on their house!

 

[Sepen]

Originally posted by: theNEOone

Originally posted by: oniq

I figure that whether the job is done wrong or right he should be paid, and he didn't do it wrong. He always puts his all in his work.

wrong. if he did it wrong, he should not be paid unless he fixes it.

that being said, if he feels that he did the job right and his customer still doesn't pay, then all he can do is take them to court.

 

[rival]

i was watching one of those lameass court shows the other day and the judge was saying something about a contractor having a right to fix their work if the customer is unhappy...should contact a lawyer though...

 

[oniq]

It just seems their nitpicking because they don't want to pay. Its not like the job was done wrong, its something that isnt preventable. Hes done hundreds of jobs and all the people he has worked for have been happy with his work and his rates (cheaper than anywhere else), all the people refer him to friends.

I guess we'll have to go to court, sigh.. Some people.

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
He should at least be paid for materials if they're not happy with his work. I suppose if they don't, he could go rip up all the tiles... I think it's perfectly legal for him to do that if they refuse to pay. Of course, he'd probably have to have a police escort =)

heh I like that idea

 

[Harvey]

This is a case for Small Claims Court. It is not worth the time or money to get a lawyer involved. Your profile sayd you're from Connecticut so Small Claims Court actions are limited to $3,500. Here's more info on Connecticut Small Claims Court.

From your description, the main issue appears to be whether his work is up to par. If your dad is confident about the quality of his work, he could ask the client to let him inspect the work and take photos of anything work they think is not good enough. One way or another, that would help prove the case.

Hope that helps.

 

[fatkorean]

try to get some picts if you can. If you goto small clains court, it will be his word against theirs. so lots of picts

-fk