I'm dealing with a frustrating situation with a local contractor in NJ named Mike who replaced my skylight last year. I have a 10-year guarantee from him, but now the skylight is leaking. Although he answered my call last week, he hasn't followed up as promised after I sent him a video of the leak. He mentioned it might be a manufacturer defect, but since then, he has completely ignored my attempts to reach him. This is the third time he's ghosted me, and at this point, I feel like I can't trust him. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to talk to my neighbors about their experiences with him, even though I wouldn't ask them to intervene. I also found his home address on the invoice, which makes me think about sending my husband over there, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea. Any advice on what I can do next?
2 Answers
You should check your contract to see what it says about his workmanship guarantee. If it's supposed to last 10 years, he's still obligated to fix it. Even if he’s claiming a manufacturer defect, it's on him to address any issues since you have that written guarantee. If he continues to ghost you, it might be wise to consult with a legal expert just to understand your options better. And remember, it's okay to be assertive in reaching out to him—even if that's just sending a certified letter explaining what's going on and that you expect a response!
First off, it sounds like you really have a solid case with that 10-year warranty! If Mike isn't responding, your best bet might be to start drafting some factual reviews about your experience on platforms like Google or Angie's List. It’s a good way to put some pressure on him to come through, plus it helps others know what they might be getting into with him. Also, maybe let your neighbors know about your experiences—it's not about blaming them for recommending him, but rather just keeping them in the loop so they can make informed decisions in the future. They might even help nudge him to get back to you!
Totally agree! It's disappointing how flakey contractors can be. Your neighbors might appreciate knowing this too; they thought they were helping you when they recommended him. I’d definitely get those reviews ready to go and don't let him off the hook too easily!
Great point! If it's in writing, he’s got to honor it. Sending a certified letter could really up the ante and show him you mean business. Just keep everything documented—you never know when you might need it!