Hey everyone! I'm a first-time homeowner who hired a contractor for some bathroom renovations and window work. The job started back in August 2024, and while he made some progress with the bathrooms (about 75% done), he hasn't touched the windows at all. Since January, he's stopped showing up completely. He often cancels last minute and I've only seen him every 1-2 weeks prior to that. We've agreed on a total of $30k—$20k for the bathrooms and $10k for the windows—and I've already paid him $22k. It seems like he tricked me into paying him the full amount for the bathrooms by claiming he needed the money for the windows. I don't have a written contract, but I have messages and evidence of the wire transfers. Now it's April, and I'm getting really frustrated trying to get him to finish the job. Any advice on what I should do?
3 Answers
You might want to consider filing a police report since it seems like he could be scamming you. After that, think about taking him to small claims court to recover your money. Without a contract, though, it could be a bit harder. Keep your evidence organized!
Honestly, it's concerning that you paid upfront without a contract. I learned the hard way too! Going forward, definitely ensure any contractor is fully licensed and these agreements are in writing. It might also help to check if he has insurance and possibly file a claim.
It sounds like you're in a tough spot, and unfortunately, it looks like he's likely spent that $22k without actually finishing the work. A good rule of thumb is to always hold back a significant amount until the job is fully completed. It gives you some leverage as a homeowner. Best of luck!
Yeah, some people love to scam others, even with contracts. Just be cautious moving forward, and I hope you can get through this situation unscathed!