steel building - builder welched out and disappeared

[hokiebird]

If I didn't have to work as many hours at my job, and if I didn't have teen/pre-teen kids in activities, I'd do it. All a matter of opportunity cost.

BTW, I know what a Trek 5900 is - but I am partial to older-school titanium Litespeeds and steel Bianchis. (Litespeed Tuscany, Litespeed Tachyon, Bianchi EL-OS, Bianchi CDI). All with Campagnolo.

get you some buddies together use the supplies on the trailer(after judgement of course) have a barn building, get your hands dirty. Learn something and have fun. And save all the labor money. I hope all works out well for you.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Not the way I wanted this story to turn out.

Life throws curve balls that are sometimes aimed right at the heart.

Too bad.

Hope you get your building up at reasonable cost.

 

[PastTense]

I'm surprised at the attitude of most of the people in this thread; in the past everyone would have said you need to talk to the guy face to face first and that going to a lawyer would be a last resort. Now only a couple people here feel this way.

 

[Soundguy]

did you read the entire thread? the OP has BEEN TRYING to make contact many different ways to the builder.

I'd say he's gone well past 'reasonable effort'..

soundguy

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I wouldn't bother with calling the sheriff. At this point in time it is a "civil" matter. Contact a lawyer for how to proceed. If the contractor is found there may be grounds for a civil suit in which case, assuming you win, the lawyer fees might be paid.

This isn't a civil matter. In GA, you can be arrested for theft by deception. This is the case here. I am with Sound Guy. Call Lawyer. Find his address, get police involved. Its been too long. Something should have been done within 2-3 weeks.

 

[doall]

did you read the entire thread? the OP has BEEN TRYING to make contact many different ways to the builder.

I'd say he's gone well past 'reasonable effort'..

soundguy

+ 1 for Soundguy.

 

[Pops15]

Did the contractor sign for the certified letter? If the answer is yes, then he certainly should have called you.
If not, I suggest doing a little more investigating.
Do you know why he hasn't been paying his bills? Could it be that he got hurt bad, has a serious illness or worse? If the guy is in the hospital, he's not likely to be answering any calls, even on his cell phone. Could be he had stroke or something and can't communicate with you. I think if he was truly trying to scam you he would have gotten the trailer when you weren't home. I suggest visiting his neighborhood and see if he's around.
I realize that none of that should be your problem, but I do think you need more info before proceeding.

As for permits....thats easy to find out. Call the building department and see if he applied for one. It won't be any good if you hire another contractor. I finished a job another contractor bailed on. The building inspector revoked the original permit and issued a new one in my name at no cost.

Good luck! Keep us posted!

 

[Soundguy]

I think he has far exceeded 'reasonable effort'..

if the fellow is hurt bad.. in the hospital, etc.. surely there is SOMEBODY..somewhere that might make a few calls for him.

how many people do you know that have -0- friends, family or business partners / work associates? One of those people could at least return calls with a short message that the fellow is hurt.. etc.. etc.

soundguy

Did the contractor sign for the certified letter? If the answer is yes, then he certainly should have called you.
If not, I suggest doing a little more investigating.
Do you know why he hasn't been paying his bills? Could it be that he got hurt bad, has a serious illness or worse? If the guy is in the hospital, he's not likely to be answering any calls, even on his cell phone. Could be he had stroke or something and can't communicate with you. I think if he was truly trying to scam you he would have gotten the trailer when you weren't home. I suggest visiting his neighborhood and see if he's around.
I realize that none of that should be your problem, but I do think you need more info before proceeding.

As for permits....thats easy to find out. Call the building department and see if he applied for one. It won't be any good if you hire another contractor. I finished a job another contractor bailed on. The building inspector revoked the original permit and issued a new one in my name at no cost.

Good luck! Keep us posted!

 

[Pops15]

I think he has far exceeded 'reasonable effort'..

if the fellow is hurt bad.. in the hospital, etc.. surely there is SOMEBODY..somewhere that might make a few calls for him.

how many people do you know that have -0- friends, family or business partners / work associates? One of those people could at least return calls with a short message that the fellow is hurt.. etc.. etc.

soundguy

I don't know the guy's situation. If he lives alone and had a bad accident or died I doubt anyone would be looking to make calls for him. What makes me think he's not scamming the guy is him leaving the trailer. If he really was a crook I think he would have gotten the trailer.
On the other hand even a guy that's been in business 30-40 is not immune to financial trouble, especially in this lousy economy. He may be upside down and just walked away.
A trip to the guy's neighborhood could reveal some very useful info.

 

[Soundguy]

I think the point is.. it doesn't matter.. AT ALL.. if it is a scam.. walk away or illness / injury... at this point it's lack of contact.. with no forseable contact in site.. and the OP has to get his work done..

IE.. it's no longer a matter of 'why'.. but rather 'what to do now to get my work done, and protect myself'.

soundguy