Work Description:
Full downstairs remodel. Full kitchen and bathroom remodel including electrical carpentry/framing, plumbing, drywall, painting, fixture install. Mouldings and hardwood flooring and painting throughout. Bathroom remodel including tiling, electrical, plumbing, fixtures drywall, paint. Kitchen cabinets and appliances were provided and installed by another contractor.
This experience was a nightmare!
The contractor started quickly and with good quality and good communication. He also took a large amount of deposit $. Kitchen demo, framing, and rough electrical and plumbing went quickly and with reasonable quality for about 3-4 weeks.
Then the contractor essentially disappeared - no returned phone calls, emails, or text message for weeks. He claimed 'personal problems'. I finally made contact with him after going to his house and talking to his wife. He didn't respond to certified letters, etc. Finally, he apologized and came back to the job, but there was no real work completed and then he continued to not return calls or deal with the issues. He also did not order hardwood flooring materials when required and delayed dealing with this for months. It become clear that he did not have the deposit funds to pay for material or hire subcontractors. I checked with the California State License Board and his license and bond had expired on 6/30/10, after being in effect for over 15 consecutive years. He was still not licensed per the CSLB on 9/10/10. I asked that he show proof of license, bond and insurance which he failed to do.
I have filed complaints with various legal and regulatory bodies (CSLB) to attempt to resolve this and filed a claim against his contractor bond. This was an $81,000 contract. I paid $40,000 in deposits and payments and have approximately $16,000 or work completed. The contractor has not responded to resolve this matter or provide remedy. My family has been living without a kitchen, downstairs floor, etc since early May. Now, I have heard from his family that he is in an inpatient rehab program his lawyer called me to tell me he has filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
This contractor came recommended by references. However, we have had a nightmare experience and I would not want this to happen to any other consumers. Do not hire this guy.
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