I've been dealing with a total mess after storm damage to my house, which requires a $300K rebuild. I hired a general contractor (GC) who I thought was reliable, but I'm feeling really uneasy about the process. I've been trying to get a contract and more details, but the communication has been terrible. Just recently, I found out that there's a contract attached to my permit paperwork, but I didn't sign it—someone else, likely the GC's wife, did. Now I'm really stressed about whether I can fire him without repercussions, like a possible lawsuit over a verbal agreement, especially since I'm worried he might not have paid his subcontractors. I've texted that we're done, but I need advice on how to handle this situation legally without getting burned.
3 Answers
You really do need legal representation. If your signature was forged, don’t send any communications to the GC yourself; let your lawyer handle it. It’s critical to gather all your documentation, like receipts and any proof of payments made. Also, keep an eye on your credit and financial accounts—make sure there's no other fraud lurking around. For the amount of money involved, this is serious and requires professional help.
Right away, you're going to want to have your attorney involved. Don’t pay the GC any more money until you have everything squared away. You also need to ensure you get an unconditional waiver of lien from him since you’ve already paid $28K. Attend every inspection, document conversations, and your presence is key for protecting your interests. Trust me, you’re making the right choice by stepping back and involving someone who knows the ins and outs of construction law.
You definitely need to consult a lawyer. It sounds like there's a serious case of forgery here since someone signed your name without your knowledge. If you ignore this and don’t contest the signature, it might come back to haunt you down the line. An attorney can help you establish that the signature is fraudulent and protect you from any potential lawsuits based on that contract.
Absolutely! You want everything documented, especially if things take a turn. Plus, being there at inspections lets you stay in the loop—better safe than sorry!