Clients are not cooperating

[Devorah]

Jurisdiction

California

We own a construction company and we renovated a 2 story house for $193,780. Client did not provide the materials on time as agreed in the contract and did not comply with a contract payment plan, complained all the time about things that did not happen and were not under our responsibility and this caused a delay at work. The work was supposed to be completed a few months ago and they are still delaying us and not paying on time. They still owe us $ 33,000 but are constantly adding more complaints thus keeping us from finishing the job and getting the final payment. This whole process is already exhausting. We tried to avoid going for legal action and put a mechanic lien on their house. How can we end this story as quickly as possible and get what we deserve?

 

[army judge]

Once one begins to trod down Legal Lane, time is suspended.

You have already dealt what many feel is the death blow, workman's, contractor's or mechanic's lien.

Have you attempted to negotiate?

Make an offer, if you wish, you've nothing to lose.

Someone might say, "You owe us $20K. We'll take $17K (cash or cashier's check) and call it quits."

Whatever you do, get it in writing as an amendment to your existing contract.

I'm sure you can come up with your own words.

If you want it ALL, its time to lawyer up and litigate.

 

[zddoodah]

Client did not provide the materials on time as agreed in the contract and did not comply with a contract payment plan, complained all the time about things that did not happen and were not under our responsibility and this caused a delay at work.

A home renovation contract in which the homeowner provides the materials is a recipe for disaster. That said, I don't see how the homeowner not making payments and complaining could result in delays to you.

they are still delaying us

How?

They . . . are constantly adding more complaints thus keeping us from finishing the job

How does "adding more complaints" keep you from finishing the job?

We tried to avoid going for legal action and put a mechanic lien on their house.

How does recording a mechanic's lien constitute avoiding legal action? How long ago did you record the lien? Also, and this is extremely important, since you recorded a lien, that means you stopped working on the job, right?

How can we end this story as quickly as possible and get what we deserve?

How much money is owed for completed work? What percentage of the contract is complete?

 

[adjusterjack]

put a mechanic lien on their house.

Are you saying you did put a lien on the house? If you did, you have to understand that you have to perfect the lien with a lawsuit within a certain amount of time or the lien does you no good. I suggest you look up your state's lien law and read it carefully, or have your lawyer explain it to you.

 

[zddoodah]

Are you saying you did put a lien on the house? If you did, you have to understand that you have to perfect the lien with a lawsuit within a certain amount of time or the lien does you no good. I suggest you look up your state's lien law and read it carefully, or have your lawyer explain it to you.

90 days from the date of recording the lien.

 

[Devorah]

I did not put a lien yet.

 

[zddoodah]

I did not put a lien yet.

Well...that answers but one of the several questions I asked....