I knowingly hired an unlicensed contractor to do some work in my kitchen (drywall patching, update some outlets, install cabinets & molding, install dishwasher and plumbing). He verbally quoted myself and my partner a flat rate of $900 and said it "included everything" and would be complete in 3 days. He reiterated his quote to me via text. His timeframe seemed reasonable since my kitchen is 9' x 8' and the cabinet company said it should take LESS than one day to install the cabinets.
After day 2, Mr. "Contractor" indicated that supplies were NOT included and were up to $500. I requested receipts but it's hard to tell what's what plus he had personal purchase on them.
Meanwhile, the job dragged on for 6 days over 3 weekends (he was fitting me in between his other jobs). Part of why it took longer was that he cut the crown molding too short and had to recreate it from scratch, plus he was always late (one day he didn't show up till 1:40pm) so he wasn't working full days.
After day 6, he damaged my refrigerator and we had a falling out. I already paid him $1100 but withheld the $300 balance until I knew the cost of repair and told him we'd settle up in one week. (The damage turned out to be $697.) He left angrily and began sending me threatening texts lasting from from 7pm till midnight, including one where he claimed to be a licensed contractor and was going to sue me.
The next day he arrived at my home unannounced demanding payment of $1000 since he worked so many extra days. I refused to pay him another dime since I had just examined/photographed my kitchen for the first time and saw all the damage he did to my cabinets. There were nails and screws popping through the insides of the cabinets, numerous scratches, splitting wood, etc... Additionally, he did not finish the drywall texture, install plumbing, fill nail holes and one outlet was left hanging out of the box.
An attorney told me I should sue him in small claims for the following, but I need help attaching dollar amounts to the last four items:
- The money I paid him ($1100) plus triple damages ($3300) for working unlicensed = $4400
- Refrigerator damage = $697
- Court filing fees = TBD upon filing
- Cost to finish the work = Will get estimate
- Breach of Contract = ?
- Violation of Business Professional Codes Standards = ?
- Professional Negligence = ?
- Fraud (for later claiming he was licensed) = ?
I know it's not likely I will ever collect but I would still appreciate your help in determining these amounts. Thank you.
After day 2, Mr. "Contractor" indicated that supplies were NOT included and were up to $500. I requested receipts but it's hard to tell what's what plus he had personal purchase on them.
Meanwhile, the job dragged on for 6 days over 3 weekends (he was fitting me in between his other jobs). Part of why it took longer was that he cut the crown molding too short and had to recreate it from scratch, plus he was always late (one day he didn't show up till 1:40pm) so he wasn't working full days.
After day 6, he damaged my refrigerator and we had a falling out. I already paid him $1100 but withheld the $300 balance until I knew the cost of repair and told him we'd settle up in one week. (The damage turned out to be $697.) He left angrily and began sending me threatening texts lasting from from 7pm till midnight, including one where he claimed to be a licensed contractor and was going to sue me.
The next day he arrived at my home unannounced demanding payment of $1000 since he worked so many extra days. I refused to pay him another dime since I had just examined/photographed my kitchen for the first time and saw all the damage he did to my cabinets. There were nails and screws popping through the insides of the cabinets, numerous scratches, splitting wood, etc... Additionally, he did not finish the drywall texture, install plumbing, fill nail holes and one outlet was left hanging out of the box.
An attorney told me I should sue him in small claims for the following, but I need help attaching dollar amounts to the last four items:
- The money I paid him ($1100) plus triple damages ($3300) for working unlicensed = $4400
- Refrigerator damage = $697
- Court filing fees = TBD upon filing
- Cost to finish the work = Will get estimate
- Breach of Contract = ?
- Violation of Business Professional Codes Standards = ?
- Professional Negligence = ?
- Fraud (for later claiming he was licensed) = ?
I know it's not likely I will ever collect but I would still appreciate your help in determining these amounts. Thank you.