Monday, September 10, 2007
***Homeowners in the SoCal area (Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Orange County preferred) take note! If you have spent lots on a dodgy home remodeling job and a shyster contractor, then have we got the home improvement show for you! Let our expert licensed general contractor and his crew rescue you from your botched home renovation, and help you get the job done the right way! Homeowners of all ethnicities with outgoing personalities should apply by sending a brief paragraph about your renovation nightmare ( along with a photo of the mess and a photo of yourself ) and your phone number you can be contacted at to StaceeV@citylightsmedia.com. You can also call Stacee at 818-288-4800. We are ONLY seeking homeowners in the Southern California area. Please note that we will not makeover a house from scratch, only homes with shoddy home repairs will be considered.****
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
One of the first things a contractor learns and is advised to do by
training institutions and Contractors Boards alike is to retain an
attorney before they begin their contracting business. Makes sense,
given the problems and challenges that are likely to arise for the
"newbie" or up and coming general contractor. Truth be told, the
majority of contractors are not personally well-versed in business
management and ethics. More importantly, there are those individuals
who are lured by the potential to make a whole lot of money - easily -
and aren't committed to truly building a business; there out to get
their hands on the consumers hard-earned money.
Given this very real scenario, it is imperative that homeowners consult with an
attorney specializing in construction / defect law before they hire a
contractor and sign a contract. Even if it's just a kitchen remodel -
which requires a number of different tradesmen, where important
decisions will need to made, with consistent supervision, permits etc -
having an attorney review andred line the contract is key. After that,
a homeowner needs to have that attorney in their back pocket should
issues or questions arise, just like the contractor. And if you're
remodeling or building from the ground up, you absolutely need to
consult with an attorney. There's just too much that can go wrong or
overlooked legally in terms of protection and your rights.
Does consulting with and retaining an attorney guarantee a perfect,
problem-free home remodeling project? No - there are no guarantees in
life that I'm aware of other than death and taxes BUT you will be able
to mitigate anyunforeseen problems, have greater control over your
project and have some assurances that your behind is covered.
Additionally, you'll have access to your legal queries more quickly
than if you had no one or no idea of who to turn to when you need them
the most. Like the contractor who is advised to seek legal
representation beforebeginning the business of contracting a homeowner needs to do the same before contracting with a home remodeling contractor.
As a side note, the past several months I have received many a request for
attorney referrals from homeowners and interestingly attorneys have
inquired about promoting their services on my site via paid
sponsorship/advertising. And I believe it's a great match for both
parties. So coming this Fall I'll be putting together a section of
construction law/defect law beginning withCalifornia . Besides, I keep
getting legal questions from homeowners and It's about time they have
direct access to those who are committed to helpinghomeowners with their contractor issues and queries.
So stay tuned!
training institutions and Contractors Boards alike is to retain an
attorney before they begin their contracting business. Makes sense,
given the problems and challenges that are likely to arise for the
"newbie" or up and coming general contractor. Truth be told, the
majority of contractors are not personally well-versed in business
management and ethics. More importantly, there are those individuals
who are lured by the potential to make a whole lot of money - easily -
and aren't committed to truly building a business; there out to get
their hands on the consumers hard-earned money.
Given this very real scenario, it is imperative that homeowners consult with an
attorney specializing in construction / defect law before they hire a
contractor and sign a contract. Even if it's just a kitchen remodel -
which requires a number of different tradesmen, where important
decisions will need to made, with consistent supervision, permits etc -
having an attorney review andred line the contract is key. After that,
a homeowner needs to have that attorney in their back pocket should
issues or questions arise, just like the contractor. And if you're
remodeling or building from the ground up, you absolutely need to
consult with an attorney. There's just too much that can go wrong or
overlooked legally in terms of protection and your rights.
Does consulting with and retaining an attorney guarantee a perfect,
problem-free home remodeling project? No - there are no guarantees in
life that I'm aware of other than death and taxes BUT you will be able
to mitigate anyunforeseen problems, have greater control over your
project and have some assurances that your behind is covered.
Additionally, you'll have access to your legal queries more quickly
than if you had no one or no idea of who to turn to when you need them
the most. Like the contractor who is advised to seek legal
representation beforebeginning the business of contracting a homeowner needs to do the same before contracting with a home remodeling contractor.
As a side note, the past several months I have received many a request for
attorney referrals from homeowners and interestingly attorneys have
inquired about promoting their services on my site via paid
sponsorship/advertising. And I believe it's a great match for both
parties. So coming this Fall I'll be putting together a section of
construction law/defect law beginning withCalifornia . Besides, I keep
getting legal questions from homeowners and It's about time they have
direct access to those who are committed to helpinghomeowners with their contractor issues and queries.
So stay tuned!
Monday, August 27, 2007
This past month of August proved to be a month of emails regarding mechanics liens, lien releases and one in particular about a Material Supplier who could quite possibly be in cahoots with the contractor.
There were a few homeowners who gave 50% or more upfront - with no work started as yet and the contractor would work for a week or so and then suddenly become a no show or would just work a couple of hours a week and drag out the project. After multiple phone calls by the homeowners, the contractor would throw a fit and demand more money. Shocked, the homeowners would argue that the project was just getting started and already behind schedule and that he was given sufficient funds to begin as "per the contract".
(And I bet you that contract is garbage and has little detail regarding the project).
Once the homeowners argue the facts, the contractor threatens a mechanics lien unless they pay up. And frankly they're screwed, because filing fruadulent liens are a dime a dozen with the intention to extort money and if that doesn't work cloud the title on the homeowners poperty. Unscrupulous, smarmy contractors make it a way of doing business and homeowners who get involved with these guys have likely not done a sufficient background check including even the basics of checking license status.
Yet another homeowner gave the 10@ up front required (California law) and a day later found out the the electrician failed to pull the required permits as per the contract and fired him. He also didn't have a business license and the work is suspect. The homeowner filed a complaint with the Contractors Board and the BBB and of course the contractor is threatening the homeowners with a mechanics lien. Now she is looking for an attorney and wanting to know if I have a referral for her. Another homeowner has had problems with a cement pad and patio cover built by a contractor and for the last two years he has failed to respond to her requests. Shoddy construction has her looking for an attorney as well.
Be sure to read the section on Mechanics Liens and to learn more about these homeowners stories at my FAQ section of contractorsfromhell.com
There were a few homeowners who gave 50% or more upfront - with no work started as yet and the contractor would work for a week or so and then suddenly become a no show or would just work a couple of hours a week and drag out the project. After multiple phone calls by the homeowners, the contractor would throw a fit and demand more money. Shocked, the homeowners would argue that the project was just getting started and already behind schedule and that he was given sufficient funds to begin as "per the contract".
(And I bet you that contract is garbage and has little detail regarding the project).
Once the homeowners argue the facts, the contractor threatens a mechanics lien unless they pay up. And frankly they're screwed, because filing fruadulent liens are a dime a dozen with the intention to extort money and if that doesn't work cloud the title on the homeowners poperty. Unscrupulous, smarmy contractors make it a way of doing business and homeowners who get involved with these guys have likely not done a sufficient background check including even the basics of checking license status.
Yet another homeowner gave the 10@ up front required (California law) and a day later found out the the electrician failed to pull the required permits as per the contract and fired him. He also didn't have a business license and the work is suspect. The homeowner filed a complaint with the Contractors Board and the BBB and of course the contractor is threatening the homeowners with a mechanics lien. Now she is looking for an attorney and wanting to know if I have a referral for her. Another homeowner has had problems with a cement pad and patio cover built by a contractor and for the last two years he has failed to respond to her requests. Shoddy construction has her looking for an attorney as well.
Be sure to read the section on Mechanics Liens and to learn more about these homeowners stories at my FAQ section of contractorsfromhell.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
I frequently get emails from homeowners asking for help regarding their
home remodeling contractor. Usually the contractor has obtained
thousands of dollars from the homeowners before the job has begun, then
begins to show up less often and becomes difficult to reach. Much of
the time the contracts they have entered into with the contractor are
vague and the scope of work is less than detailed. Many homeowners are
confronted with the contractor asking for more money than was agreed
upon via the contract. Not knowing their (homeowners) rights, they hand
it over even though they don't really understand why the need for the
additional money but they "trust" the contractor; some are intimidated
and just don't want to create any problems.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to be in control of your home remodeling
project be it big or small. Knowing your rights from the get go and
having a well written contract that protects you is key to having that
control. If you're adding on to the square footage of your home it,
getting an attorney to review your contract is highly recommended.
Knowing your state's contractor laws, what the legal dollar amount or
percentage of the contract that can be obtained from the homeowner to
start the project are other considerations. I cover all of this on my
site with
on Hiring Home Remodeling Contractors.
This past week I received a good example of why everyone homeowner should have an
attorney review their contract. A woman in California is shocked to
find herself at odds with her contractor and cannot believe how his
personality has suddenly changed to the point where he begins yelling
at her. Not surprising to me but you can read more about this woman and the problems with her contractor on my site.
home remodeling contractor. Usually the contractor has obtained
thousands of dollars from the homeowners before the job has begun, then
begins to show up less often and becomes difficult to reach. Much of
the time the contracts they have entered into with the contractor are
vague and the scope of work is less than detailed. Many homeowners are
confronted with the contractor asking for more money than was agreed
upon via the contract. Not knowing their (homeowners) rights, they hand
it over even though they don't really understand why the need for the
additional money but they "trust" the contractor; some are intimidated
and just don't want to create any problems.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to be in control of your home remodeling
project be it big or small. Knowing your rights from the get go and
having a well written contract that protects you is key to having that
control. If you're adding on to the square footage of your home it,
getting an attorney to review your contract is highly recommended.
Knowing your state's contractor laws, what the legal dollar amount or
percentage of the contract that can be obtained from the homeowner to
start the project are other considerations. I cover all of this on my
site with
on Hiring Home Remodeling Contractors.
This past week I received a good example of why everyone homeowner should have an
attorney review their contract. A woman in California is shocked to
find herself at odds with her contractor and cannot believe how his
personality has suddenly changed to the point where he begins yelling
at her. Not surprising to me but you can read more about this woman and the problems with her contractor on my site.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
This past week I have received several emails from California consumers
who are in the midst of remodeling their homes. Their questions all
have to do with dealing with bad home remodeling contractors who have
taken their money and have failed to perform the work according to the
contract.
One contractor refuses to take their calls or promises to meet with them but becomes a no-show. Another contractor has racked up over $50,000 in materials, refuses to give the homeowners' any receipts or proof of material purchases. Even stranger,
the materials supplier refuses to provide the homeowners with any
information about "their account" until six months later when the bills
have not been paid by the contractor. Then the material supplier sends
them a bill stating that there is "a problem", provides them with
invoices and slaps a mechanic'slien on their property. To add insult to
injury, the invoices include materials purchased for other jobs the
contractor had going but put them on this homeowners' account.
Another woman wrote asking for help for her father stating that he didn't do
his homework. The so called contractor took a large deposit and failed
to perform according to their contractual agreement, Moreover, she
checked on the guy's license and it seems that it has been revoked
since 2004. The license the contractor gave initially belongs to someone else.
None of these scenarios are unusual - and that's a sad statement of facts.
I have been getting these kinds of emails over the last eight years and
it only enforces my position on how little protection homeowners have
and their recourse is costly and the outcome not all that great.
The one common denominator these homeowners share is that none of them
filed a complaint with the Contractors State License Board yet all of
them wanted to know what course of action they should take. When
problems occur such as these, consumers should file a complaint with
the CSLB and if warranted at some point, consult with an attorney who specializes in contruction law. On my website - contractorsfromhell.com - I cover the steps that consumers should take when they encounter problems with their home remodeling contactors.
My point here is to remind consumers that they must take a proactive
stance should they find themselves involved with an unscrupulous
contractor because they didn't do their homework. File that complaint,
consult with an attorney and be prepared for what may be a ridiculous
fight. Ridiculous because of the lies and garbage the unethical contractor
will throw at you. Protect yourself and do your homework before hiring
a home remodeling contractor.
who are in the midst of remodeling their homes. Their questions all
have to do with dealing with bad home remodeling contractors who have
taken their money and have failed to perform the work according to the
contract.
One contractor refuses to take their calls or promises to meet with them but becomes a no-show. Another contractor has racked up over $50,000 in materials, refuses to give the homeowners' any receipts or proof of material purchases. Even stranger,
the materials supplier refuses to provide the homeowners with any
information about "their account" until six months later when the bills
have not been paid by the contractor. Then the material supplier sends
them a bill stating that there is "a problem", provides them with
invoices and slaps a mechanic'slien on their property. To add insult to
injury, the invoices include materials purchased for other jobs the
contractor had going but put them on this homeowners' account.
Another woman wrote asking for help for her father stating that he didn't do
his homework. The so called contractor took a large deposit and failed
to perform according to their contractual agreement, Moreover, she
checked on the guy's license and it seems that it has been revoked
since 2004. The license the contractor gave initially belongs to someone else.
None of these scenarios are unusual - and that's a sad statement of facts.
I have been getting these kinds of emails over the last eight years and
it only enforces my position on how little protection homeowners have
and their recourse is costly and the outcome not all that great.
The one common denominator these homeowners share is that none of them
filed a complaint with the Contractors State License Board yet all of
them wanted to know what course of action they should take. When
problems occur such as these, consumers should file a complaint with
the CSLB and if warranted at some point, consult with an attorney who specializes in contruction law. On my website - contractorsfromhell.com - I cover the steps that consumers should take when they encounter problems with their home remodeling contactors.
My point here is to remind consumers that they must take a proactive
stance should they find themselves involved with an unscrupulous
contractor because they didn't do their homework. File that complaint,
consult with an attorney and be prepared for what may be a ridiculous
fight. Ridiculous because of the lies and garbage the unethical contractor
will throw at you. Protect yourself and do your homework before hiring
a home remodeling contractor.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Who knew remodeling your home could become a horrifying and eye-opening experience about unscrupulous individuals with a license to destroy your plans and a government that allows it to happen with little oversight?!!
With so many emails from homeowners sharing their experiences and frustrations and many of you wanting to write letters to state officials demanding change, I say-yeah! Go for it - write those letters and send a copy to contractorsfromhell.com so we can support and document your efforts.
Earlier this week I received an email from a woman in California that brought up this issue and she was angry and shocked that what happened to her with her smarmy contractor cost her financially as the contractor declared bankruptcy and simply got another license and continues to work. And according to her, he's figured out a way to beat the system. Moreover, she believes the Contractors Board to be incompetent and wants to start a letter writing campaign to the Legislature to effect policy changes that govern the CSLB as well as contractors.
So I want to share with and enlighten all of you who have written asking (and criticizing) why is it that the government allows unethical contractors to continue to harm homeowners and the contractors doing so continue to get away with it. It all boils down to the Legislature who is driven by special interest groups - i.e., the Building Industry - who contributes a great deal of money to keep their interests and their support or rejection of bills before the House or Senate a priority. If it's good for consumers BUT should Industry believe it limits their interests and leaves their members (contractors) vulnerable to discipline, it ain't happening. Period. The pressure on the lawmaker to back off and reject the bill will be made known loudly by Building Industry representatives and that Senator or Assembly person will concede. Shameful but true.
Having worked with the Center For Public Interest Law in supporting consumer protection bills, as well as attorneys and the CSLB, I have been enlightened as to what really goes on behind the scenes and it's dispicable for the most part as to who calls the shots. Being a constituent really doesn't have a whole lot of influence with the exception of getting your vote at the ballot box.
I would like to think that at some point we could make a difference; but that would take millions of letters and phone calls to your representatives, not just a handful. And a whole lot of media attention.
With so many emails from homeowners sharing their experiences and frustrations and many of you wanting to write letters to state officials demanding change, I say-yeah! Go for it - write those letters and send a copy to contractorsfromhell.com so we can support and document your efforts.
Earlier this week I received an email from a woman in California that brought up this issue and she was angry and shocked that what happened to her with her smarmy contractor cost her financially as the contractor declared bankruptcy and simply got another license and continues to work. And according to her, he's figured out a way to beat the system. Moreover, she believes the Contractors Board to be incompetent and wants to start a letter writing campaign to the Legislature to effect policy changes that govern the CSLB as well as contractors.
So I want to share with and enlighten all of you who have written asking (and criticizing) why is it that the government allows unethical contractors to continue to harm homeowners and the contractors doing so continue to get away with it. It all boils down to the Legislature who is driven by special interest groups - i.e., the Building Industry - who contributes a great deal of money to keep their interests and their support or rejection of bills before the House or Senate a priority. If it's good for consumers BUT should Industry believe it limits their interests and leaves their members (contractors) vulnerable to discipline, it ain't happening. Period. The pressure on the lawmaker to back off and reject the bill will be made known loudly by Building Industry representatives and that Senator or Assembly person will concede. Shameful but true.
Having worked with the Center For Public Interest Law in supporting consumer protection bills, as well as attorneys and the CSLB, I have been enlightened as to what really goes on behind the scenes and it's dispicable for the most part as to who calls the shots. Being a constituent really doesn't have a whole lot of influence with the exception of getting your vote at the ballot box.
I would like to think that at some point we could make a difference; but that would take millions of letters and phone calls to your representatives, not just a handful. And a whole lot of media attention.
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