Listen to homeowner's conversation with contractor about the job

A homeowner in Livingston records his conversation with a contractor tasked with building an addition to the house.

[@ErstO1]

I've been a licensed contractor for forty years and I never left a job unfinished. Even if I was losing money Jerks like this gives all building contractors a bad name

[@grahamworksconstruction]

In my time I’ve finished 3 jobs totaling 120k in payments I didn’t receive. 2 were when I just started and 1 in mid way point. I won’t be the one who is told I didn’t do my part..

[@homeslipper]

@@grahamworksconstruction We do collections.

[@UTAH100]

Or they keep you in business.

[@MaxRockatansky853]

As a contractor I can tell you, There is no excuse, there is no reason. Failure is not an option. Period.

[@614jacob2]

Failure is absolutely an option, the way you handle it is the solution. You gotta be able to identify issues early enough on to not have the job go completely south, and if it does have insurance to cover your ass.

[@MaxRockatansky853]

@@614jacob2 Exactly. To not do those things would mean failure. And thats not an option. 🤟✌😁

[@adriansmith7104]

Yeah yeah 1 out 100 contractors is good. The rest scumbags...

[@ratherbeonthemoon]

Even if you end up getting less than your workers by under bidding!!! Job gets done and everyone else gets paid first! Made that mistake a couple times many many years ago. Not the "everyone gets paid first" but the short changing myself..

[@quantumtechcrypto7080]

Her do utah dopl which is Dept of professional licensing literally told me it’s the customers responsibility to hire qualified contractors. I then asked then what are you for? They then stated they don’t know there’s a problem until they’re informed?? WTF? Really. So it’s ok until it’s not is what I took from it. You can screw utah and customers over until you get caught then they get involved. How about you call contractors and find out if licensed or not and have an approved list of utah certified contractors? Naw that means someone has to work and do the dreaded government word called…proactive and government is solely reactive unless it’s taxes.

[@jameswalker1789]

I have made some mistakes as a contractor, short changing myself. Lost money on a job. Had to borrow money from my mom to finish the job, but got it done and learned a valuable lesson

[@joshua232379]

💪🏻 how it should be you could lose money but once you lose your reputation you’re done

[@ryans413]

That’s why you quote high for anything that may come up and that way you are covered and the homeowner as an agreement on the money owed.

[@stepbackandthink]

$18,000 to build an extension tells you all you need to know about the homeowner.

[@doug8237]

18k left on the job. But still, how’s there only 18k left when the job is a quarter of the way done?

[@Glitch-nr9ct]

Like a jackass, I once took the “too good to be true” deal on re-paving my driveway. In my defense, the guy had beautiful, professional looking equipment. Clean full sized 10 wheel dump truck with company name on it, professional heavy duty trailer with legit paver and bobcat on it. He was in the process of doing my neighbors driveway and it looked fine so why not right? I asked him to price me up and couldn’t believe how cheap he was so I gave him the job. Within a week the asphalt was crumbling and falling apart. Over and over he lied and said he’d come fix it and then never show up. The worst part is a close friend I literally grew up with owns an asphalt company, but he stays so busy with big commercial jobs that I didn’t want to bother him with this piddly little shit that he’d make no money on. Anyway, long story long, I had to threaten over and over to sue this guy, then finally his elderly father/business partner got so scared I was actually going to file suit that he hand carried me a check for a FULL REFUND! I was floored. Got all of my money back then paid my buddy to do it the right way. Lesson learned. Only after all this shit happened did I bother to look online and see all the complaints about this company and how shady they are. They screw people for a living and get away with it. Unbelievable.

[@boejiden876]

That's gypsy work. They keep nice looking equipment and vehicles to give off a good vibe.

[@Hello-zf5lq]

Asphalt guy from another state was doing several parking lots for a landlord and asked me if I wanted them to patch a hole that I did not have in my driveway with the left over asphalt. I said no. Then I looked at the parking lot they did and now there is a puddle is standing water next to it where I paved ground starts every time it rains because water cannot drain.

[@xSWlMx]

Was this Henry’s asphalt 😂

[@poochie81]

@@boejiden876 pikeys*

[@CH67guy1]

Full refund is not sufficient! You also need paid for the cost of demolishing the inferior pavement and proper disposal of the debris.

[@joepoe8616]

Customers want cheap, unlicensed contractors, they want the quality, but they don't want to pay. Customers also play the victim if anything bad happens.

[@zell863]

I'm unlicensed and chip and make clowns every day from licensed and expensive.

[@allencolvin656]

joe Poe, sometimes, it is a friend, of a friend, of a friend...

[@cynicallycynicalcynic]

Sounds and looks to me like the contractor is an incompetent scammer like a lot of them are.

[@johnbell1246]

@@zell863 sadly you dont know your worth then, and Dont help these situations..being cheap and Precise is YOUR loss .

[@Hello-zf5lq]

Customer: “I need an affordable contractor for a small job”. Customer: “Contractor has to finish the job perfectly because they signed up or they won’t get paid, I’m a victim here.”

[@godbluffvdgg]

2017 ...Those were the good ol days compared to now...I'm semi retired general contractor after more than 30 years...I saw this coming ten years ago...It's nearly impossible to find good mechanics these days, at least to subcontract...I'm doing a project in Ocean City nj now...Getting numbers isn't easy...A homeowner has NO chance of recognizing when someone is bullshitting them...They don't know what to ask or look for... I have been consulting clients for about ten years, helping them to vet their contractors... There are some real shady characters out here...TRUST NO ONE.

[@chrisreynolds2410]

You can trust me! I’m not like those guys looking for a 30% deposit. I’ll just need $40.

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@chrisreynolds2410 Will you do it for 30?

[@stanktank9722]

I am a contractor. I might charge a bit high but the work is done right and on time. This is what happens when a bullshit contractor does pretty much side work. Use your instincts, ask questions. Give yourself a couple days to think about what contractor to use. Alot of hard working honest men out here. Don't put contractors in this category because of these horror stories.

[@michaeltyre38]

If he isn’t working on anything then he has plenty of time to fix the problem !

[@franticzenster8140]

I think he's incapable of fixing anything

[@iamamish]

I learned a very valuable lesson in hiring contractors - beware immediate availability. Competent contractors have months-long backlogs, if you call somebody and they're ready to start immediately, that's a huge red flag. I had work done by a contractor who was in financial trouble and he was basically kiting accounts - taking money from one to finish another. Contractors like these are skating by and will try to do the bare minimum whenever possible.

[@mrb152]

Caveat is sometime they can fit in small jobs.

[@iamamish]

@@mrb152 Yes, good point, I was referring to larger projects but you are right about smaller projects.

[@pc6262]

You hired the cheap guy, did no references on him, this is on you as well. No permits? Owners responsibility 101, contractors too.

[@CPreacher40]

in my area it doesn't matter who you hire and how much you pay contractors will screw you one way or another.

[@pc6262]

Chris M, hi. Consumers actually have more rights than known. For example, whichever state you reside, check the the contractor board. Your contract needs to understood too. Most importantly payments need to be tied to performance as agreed. When people get screwed, most if the time, from the start; either give way to much money down. Most states require no more than 10% down of total job cost, or $1,000 whichever is greater. When a home owner needs to purchase all the materials upfront that should signal a red flag! Reputable contractors have funding and or good standing credit accounts at supply houses. If unsure, ask your local building authority for a referral for a good contractor, they work with the good and bad daily. At the end if the day, do your homework, ask for referrals of past clients, call them, ask the questions. Rarely, when you do diligence, have a proper contract that spells out payment structure, have inspections, the projects go south! The common thread seems to be homeowners doing projects on the cheap, not doing there due diligence, too much money upfront, hiring a handy man to contract etc.

[@maryrodger5130]

@@jessicacallahan9711 Feel sorry for the homeowner? Why would anyone feel sorry for wanting $45,000 job but only wants to pay $18,000? 10% upfront *after* checking current licensing, if bonded and insured if any complaints have been filed, check the contractors previous work and for satisfied customers. 10% each month with a punch list after a monthly walk through if building from the ground up otherwise known as *monthly progress payments*. If a contractor wants the homeowner to pay for the initial materials that's another screaming sign to run the other way. You want cheap then that's what you get...a scammer. The homeowner assisted with scamming himself, his bank account and doing damage to the existing structure. Mr. Cheap ass homeowner gets no sympathy from me.

[@electricalron]

You sound like an experienced contractor. Some homeowners will never learn. I'm proud of the fact that I'm a licensed electrician in NJ and that I'm legally permitted to do work and pull permits and have the work inspected. I love what I do too.

[@AngeloR674]

It’s not him!!! That’s how most lowlife contractors are!! I’m going through the same thing my self!! And this piece of shit! Had references! And he still turned out to be a lowlife! I will have my dat in court!! When i destroy him!! And his lousy work!

[@qmax-en5ry]

There's a lot of homeowners that get 3 o 4 bids. They choose the cheapest and want the job of the more expensive bid

[@johnw2758]

but in my experience, expensive doesn't always mean better.

[@ryanbrown5073]

Just to beat this ahead of the game, have your contract state: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL follow all local, county, and state laws and regulations. If the Contractor does not follow the following jurisdiction laws, they pay the cost at no additional cost to the customer (agency if it is government). Make whatever contract you sign say: The Contractor will follow the spec, and all applicable laws and regulations. That protects you, and if the contractor decides not to follow the contract (aka the laws) you have it in writing. I guarantee a lawyer will ask the contractor, "You signed a contract saying 'you would do this' Why did you not follow the contract?" Further questions "Did you have a change order?" If anyone deals with government DOT contracts you will be familiar with contracts even as an inspector.

[@akita96th]

Still if a contractor has went bankrupt or is experiencing financial trouble he most likely will not honor his contract and even with a court order there is no guarantee he will do what's required. in the end you cant make him.

[@UTAH100]

Good tips. Anticipate their excuses and make them sign a bullet proof contract...though, most won't. I tried.

[@IVORY123100]

From the look of it " The dripping " It is an addition with an over framed valley . These can be bastards to add and protect until the roofer comes in .. Some roofers can screw this up as well . Framing over an existing roof can be done a myriad of ways .. If you peel back fascia and overhang . Then peel back the shingles .. It is a critical time .. I prefer framing atop the shingles with a sleeper and temporarily caulking the valley with NP3 . Then you got to consider whether you are imposing a load on the existing roof . Looking at the span .. it requires collars unless it has a structural ridge designed to carry the roof load .. I think I see a structural ridge ! .. It must be a local code to have a concrete crawlspace in NJ . but you have to have clearance below the joist and beams.. . As a contractor .. It is not a sweet thing sometimes to work for some homeowners .. They are ready to bitch about anything and the contractor is helpless .. Some homeowners want it for free and there are contractors that screw homeowners .

[@mendoafgoo420]

That is the best way to minimize or eliminate any potential water damages. Some jobs are better left sub contracted for guys that only do that one thing, the Jack of all trades type of contractors usually have issues with their work because they think they can do everything because they did a job previously like that but the reality is: if your not doing that particular thing every single day then chances are their will be issues. That’s why you don’t see framing crews doing any finish work, electrical or roofs or trim or anything like that (well the honest ones anyway) same goes for roofers: roofers not going to do concrete work or electrical because that’s not what they do everyday for a living and there would be issues. I’m licensed and insured handyman in California and although I have experience in all phases of construction. There is some jobs I just won’t do because of either the amount of skilled guys needed to complete the job in a timely manor, or it’s not something I do everyday so to be in line with local building codes I would need to bring in another guy from a crew who only does that one thing everyday for a living. You need a shed, a circuit added, a bathroom renovated or kitchen redone or want to change the windows or doors in the home or remove a wall etc all that stuff no problem. But when you need to add foundations or tearing roofs off to do a job that’s when I rather just turn it down or refer the work to friends in the trades because I don’t want to tarnish my name or reputation. It can take years to build a solid rep and name, it only takes 1 job to ruin it all. Many contractors and people in the trades neglect this simple concept

[@ericschulze5641]

Ivory I hear you . I don't think we're hearing the whole story. I suspect the contractor was getting screwed over and decided to walk. From the video and conversation, the work looks good and he was being respectful There's more going on than we're seeing

[@knucklevision]

@@ericschulze5641 I kind of agree- the contractor didn't give shady answers, he may have been backing away/begging out, but I didn't get a total hack vibe, and the homeowner was kind of talking over his head a bit with "the architectural" etc... feels like a non-contracted 'arrangement' between both parties that just didn't work out?

[@rantsrus8203]

just ice and water at the transition, synthetic felt, shingles....done. Ive done a million of them.

[@76biggdogg]

@@knucklevision homeowner listening to an insurance adjuster and an architect, lol . I would like to see the violations.

[@Beandiptheredneck]

So you hire a contractor that is willing to build a large addition without permits? Sounds like that should be the first red flag. I wouldn’t hire that guy. But as far as the missing windows and doors that he said were in the dumpster I’ve pulled good stuff out of them before myself so someone may have done that..

[@76biggdogg]

Why would he keep the old windows and doors anyway ? Unless the homeowner specifically asked to save the old shit , I'd throw it out too . Hell the dumpster was probably already ravaged by scrappers so that crap is long gone . Oh, and the homeowner can pull permits too .

[@mkl5448]

Judging by a lot of the commets, I didn't even feel like I needed to comment. But, go with a referral, and if you cannot find one, keep looking. That's not going to assure everything is perfect, but it will really help you to get a good start. No large down payments, schedule draws at milestones, no pulling homeowner permits, and most importantly, if they don't give you a good feeling to begin with, don't use them. I just had a customer send me an estimate for a fairly large plumbing job. Right in the language they talked about not pulling any permits, and it would be more if they wanted to. The price was very inflated as well. I suggested to them not even to entertain that. Turns out, the person I found, not only did the job, but for less than half the price. Be smart people, you work hard for your money, don't be reckless with it.

[@jessepoker2008]

You get what you pay for.

[@buddyanddaisy123]

Good luck-the contractor has no assets, no way to recover damages, and has all his possessions under other names-the home owner is screwed. plus the city can demand that the work be torn out and rebuilt (code violations).

[@JuanMendoza-sp5vt]

I'm in love

[@KingParisBuckingham]

Customers even more important than making sure contractor is licensed, is make sure he has contractors liability insurance for atleast $500k or $1mil.( there are unlicensed contractors who can work well likewise there are some licensed contractors who can't wirk as goid as some unlicensed.but make sured they are covered with insurance

[@richardmartin7504]

A license don't mean shit if the dudes a crook.jeez

[@williamp9158]

You get what you pay for dude. $18k for an addition? Try $100k or a lot more than that depending on the type of addition. Especially in NJ.

[@spardasquadspqr3535]

So funny how not many people call this customer as being cheepo😂

[@rmcjr5206]

I understood that he had $18k remaining on the bill, not $18k total.

[@Chris-od1jp]

@@rmcjr5206 exactly

[@davidrubin1895]

I have no big jobs now so I don't have any money. I wonder why. Look what he did to the homeowner

[@davidbrewer7937]

Something does not add up that we are not hearing in this story... The contractor complains he is broke, yet the work was done without permits & probably licenses. Permits & inspections allow the city to tax the work, licenses let the unions to take a cut plus the pay rates are higher for licensed than unlicensed trades...they are in short an opportunity for others to take a cut as middle men, but they do not guarantee competence, care or quality of work. The GC did not use permits, inspections or I doubt licenses to make the job more profitable. This means things were done wrong (leaking roof). He used stage payments hence the $18k still outstanding so let's assume it was 18% final stage (looks like stage 2 of 3 actually, but anyway) for easy math. This means the job was $100k...18% is NOT a decent profit margin especially before taxes! I would speculate it was a bid from several contractors with the lowest being successful (human nature is to bargain shop), but to do this the GC would have had to make drastic cuts, obviously to permits, inspections & licenses to beat the real low ball (amateur & shoddy) bidders & the work suffered accordingly. Who was in the wrong? BOTH the homeowner for trying to save money & the GC who made the mistakes by desperately trying to make a profit... You get what you pay for BUT paying over the odds does not automatically guarantee good quality.

[@Padoinky]

I only listened to 1:20 of the audio and had to stop Didn’t the homeowner do their due diligence? Cheaper, when it comes to your home, your family or your health, isn’t always a good thing.....

[@joshmason5263]

Yes and no. Regardless of price a job is a job. I don't expect it to be s broken job because it was cheap that's stupid

[@dingusfuzzklonnkt2755]

That cheap bid bit him in the ass. There's no way this contract had the experience to complete a project of that size.

[@tommyrocket2604]

This is what happens when a financially and compliance illiterate tradesman holds them self out to be a trusted contractor to a naive trusting homeowner.

[@ryanbrown5073]

Also, Contractors, Inspectors and Designers, sometimes toes get stepped on. Going to ADA with signals. Sometimes other designers do not communicate. So we can have a push button 3ft behind a fence...That does not work. Inspectors are not hard line cops, they work with contractors to resolve issues, to get a good product.

[@homeslipper]

A. Framing : Those collar ties are suspect. 2. Did they scab that header over the window or am I going blind? The *Builder* on the phone here sounds like he is young enough, mid twenties. Also sounds like he got into it with the home owner and threw all his windows in the dunpster. Or they returned them to the shop. Or whatever . That kid on the phone has no more business operating a construction company than I do a jack hammer. I'm 49. The ability to convey ideas is a lost art on this one. His days operating in that town/county possibly state are over for the foreseeable future. Thirty years remod and commercial GC here. I have made mistakes everyone does. But when that homeowner said the word Architect I heard a distinct gulp from our kid playing contractor. By the looks of it I bet 18k barring unforseables would get myself and two guys there with a van full of tools. I am just curious about what all that Archi said in the report. Updates needed. You could charge for the updates like a subscription for this ripe mess.

[@pw1615]

I have had my fair share of bad contractors and unfortunately the BBB reviews don’t always hold up but I feel your pain because I’m going through a messed up kitchen remodel right now .

[@lavery0365]

You gotta verify everything along the way, I just learned this lesson personally. I was just adding a deck, nothing too extravagant, just a newer updated deck. I purchased all the material, which was approximately half the cost. Work began, 3 days later, the builder asked for money to buy the screws and bolts which he forgot to add in the initial material list. All I had was the remaining cashier's check after completion, so instead of making him wait an additional day til I went to the atm or bank, instead I just gave him the cashier's check. BIG MISTAKE, immediately after, it seemed like excuse after excuse, but I never stop giving this local guy the business on a project that he initially indicated would take no more than 3 to 5 days, well this turned into 3+ weeks. Lesson definitely learned, although he finished and I was more than satisfied, I will never recommend this guy at all to anyone. All the positive traits you wanted to see, after 2 days they just weren't there, he put up a good front. Professionalism, as far as keeping the client informed constantly, providing feedback if your scheduled time was going to be deviated from, etc. It's the small things that matter, you say that you're gonna do something, do it, if you can't, give a courtesy call to place your client in a comfort zone. He tried to shift blame onto his brother, I immediately indicated who I paid, and the fact you sub contracted to your brother was quite frankly no concern of mine, this is business.

[@maryrodger5130]

You didn't realize there was a problem when you found yourself purchasing the materials and no written and signed/dated contract?? My advice, don't decide down the road to build a house.

[@mikeorosco4787]

I've never heard of anyone saying that the contractor did a good job but took too long so I'll never recommend them to anyone. You're the first. I've been building homes and remodels and light commercial and apartments for the last 34 yrs.

[@williamp9158]

It doesn't matter how long it takes as long as you show up to work and it's done right.

[@Decheka4]

@@williamp9158 Poor attitude. If you quote someone a 3 day timeline and end up with a month long project, that should be disclosed prior to beginning the project. Done right or not, deadlines are deadlines.

[@UTAH100]

I mean if you had your deck completely built and done correctly in 2 weeks, why are you whining? That is not too bad. Sure, not 3 days but it got done in a reasonable period of time. You seem to be kind of a controlling type of dude- anyone ever tell you that before?

[@fz1rida953]

I've been doing carpentry work for about 22 yrs and from the conversation I heard it sounds like both parties didn't cross all there t's and dot there I's. There's a really old saying that goes back way before my time and yours, it goes like this, you get what you pay for.

[@MichaelBarnes-ey7sj]

Not really. Sometimes you DON'T get what you pay for. A more accurate statement might be that you don't get more than you paid for.

[@johnnyquest9519]

Contractors should have basic knowledge of obtaining permits, etc. This should have never happened.

[@TheElectrican]

Unlicensed ones dont want permits. The unlicensed ones give good contractors like us a bad name. I always recommend a permit, it adds value, eliminates issues, especially if they sell. It only takes a couple hours at the city on a smaller job, plus you calculate your time at the city into the proposal!

[@UTAH100]

They do but ultimately it falls on the homeowners responsibility. Contractor will just say that the Homeowner was pulling it.

[@bumpyearth4204]

You can actually make more money by doing the job right and in time. More customers will be calling.

[@dandelions2414]

That's right babe

[@bumpyearth4204]

@@dandelions2414 that's right baby

[@bumpyearth4204]

@@dandelions2414 love chu❤

[@alanwarner7057]

Go through his bond. He is a contractor, if he is licensed he should be bonded. Get another person to finish then sue him for the repairs.

[@bigmacattk]

Alot of towns don’t require you to be bonded. The major cities yes

[@zell863]

And this is minor problem. I would figure out in 5 minutes it and would recommend call roofer to fix it.

[@meirwise1107]

I hired two expensive recommended guys. The original estimate was £20,000. After a month it rose to £40,000. By the time it was over it was £60,000 and I was broke!

[@KingParisBuckingham]

If its a big job like over 10k you should make site he got liability insurance even if he was not licensed.and you keep photo copy of his ins policy.so now you have a problem you would simply call his insurance and they would pay all damages

[@Carpenters_Canvas]

Wow , no permit ? Jesus man , not on something like this . I hope everything worked out man . Sucks . So the roof leaked?

[@TheOneThatGetsItDone]

the owner wanted the cheapest guy. That is what he got. Owner is a cheap that is the real deal here :-) Hire reputable contractors. That is a $85K addition the owner try to get for way way less.

[@mountainman5025]

No, he paid a deposit, and $18,000 was most likely the completion draw. That's more than a $45,000 renovation, this is NJ. It'll probably cost more than that to finish what he started.

[@bagel-wi7kl]

Paying a contractor a lot of money is absolutely no guarantee that they'll do a good job.

[@TheOneThatGetsItDone]

Paying a lot is definitely not a guarantee you will get a good job. But paying way under most bids is definitely a big guarantee the job will be garbage. When choosing a contractor. Never choose the cheapest. Usually the most expensive is not what you need. Example. New bathroom. Bids 10k 15k 16k 14k 20k. Who would you choose?? The 14,15 or 16k. But after digging into their business. Checking their business out. The 10 and 20 are automatically out.

[@staggdegraaff1531]

Here's the part of the story the homeowner don't tell you that they are cheap and hired a fly by nite so called contractor but they want top notch work done for cheap. I deal with these type of home owners and I just walk away there not worth my time.

[@elixtido1448]

I'm wondering if the architect was also administering the job or just supply plans.

[@bullcat6531]

Wahwahwah he has no money. Wahwahwah he has no jobs. Wahwahwah he hurt his knee. Wahwahwah

[@mikegriffin5440]

Wahwahwah I heard his dog had no food and ate his kids homework

[@KingParisBuckingham]

He said he hurt his knee but after he heard the town would be fining him $2k everyday if he did'nt fix things, he immediately felt better ready to work...lmao

[@sseltrek1a2b]

red flag- making excuses instead of trying to address the issues....

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

Go after his contractors license, his bond, and his insurance company! In California as a contractor, you can only collect upfront, $1000.00 or 10% of the total job cost. With large jobs you collect in stages as the job progresses and is completed.

[@jplandscaping5069]

Super Dave 10% is for pussies...if you want me to do hard ass work then I want half down half finished...I'm number one and I charge extra for my LIC and workman's comp...when people want to pay 10% I get scared because they want landscapes for free ...when they say 10% I say sorry cash up front ALL OF IT...

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

JP Landscaping The CLB would love to get ahold of your ass! Doesn't matter how you feel, the law is the law. If you are doing work for iffy customers, maybe you have no no right to be in business. You're working on a false premise. I guess you are taking the bottom of the barrel customers......

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

JP Landscaping I get it now, you are an illegal alien. You are the problem. Trump is coming to get your ass!

[@manurazo4947]

JP Landscaping if your any good you should have the funds to do the job until finished wtf with your dumbass

[@danburch9989]

States have dollar limits for supplies and labor that unlicensed contractors can do. In AZ, it's $1000. Hiring an unlicensed contractor to do more than that will get the contractor and homeowner into legal trouble. Hiring an unlicensed contractor gives you absolutely no recourse should problems arise.

[@danburch9989]

There's a local licensed contractor in our city that did not pay his suppliers. Now the homeowner on on the hook for the supplies for a 2nd time because he didn't get a Notice of Commencement. Suppliers and subcontractors are to be notified that the work has started. They then have a limited number of days to notify the homeowner of supplies or labor and the cost of those supplies and labor and a lien against his property has been filed. From that, the homeowner is to have the contractor get a lien waiver from the supplier etc indicating that the supplies was paid for. Without that waiver, the homeowner has justification to withhold payments to the contractor for those supplies that he purchased for the job. I presume that suppliers are supposed to know about the Notice of Commencement.

[@veronicaBolanos-mc4fc]

Watch out when someone says.."here's the thing". What follows is never any good to you or for you.

[@randycrager4074]

I retired as a building contractor and we had a list of people that you did not want to do work for you. You've heard the term, 'Shade Tree Mechanics', well, there in the building industry also. You have to know everything about your contractor. Call the Builders Board., the BBB Ask questions. Talk to the Building Department and the people at the Lumber Yards. Yes, there are way to many fly by night, so called builders out there that don't know their ass from a hole in the ground! I hate when people get ripped off by these Criminals.

[@dandan7973]

Skilled labor ain’t cheap, cheap labor ain’t skilled.

[@godbluffvdgg]

:)...Good one...

[@JuanCruz-et8so]

Unfortunately for many home owners this is a Nightmare that becomes a reality. First thing is first do your homework check your contractor. Look for reliable sources don’t just get the guy who fix your neighbors friends house. Lol. Take your time, rushing into a job because the contractor is putting a fear in you and guaranteeing you a professional job at below average price only raises red flags because nobody in the contracting business is your friend. Your just another job well done or another victim.

[@cdawg9149]

Im guessing the Contractor will go BK . But the issues and fines still stay with the owner. 18k might help get those issues solved if the owner play his cards right.

[@johnknowing-zr8de]

As a REAL contractor for 40 years I PUSH for inspections so I don't have to tear anything out. I NEVER trust an architect and many times I nail them for a Skippy in the plans. The city at times makes the contractor re submit any big changes, The other problem is the homeowner hires their own Architect and the feud begins lol I have such a great report with the Inspectors that I can call them, tell them what I need to change and run it by them. Then take pictures of my changes, then later get the official inspectors approvals. This keeps the job going But I did run into some A hole township/city inspectors that caused hell for the job and homeowner. I even sicked the homeowner to push the inspectors so they come out to inspect

[@Commentator541]

This is what you get when you build houses made of cardboard.

[@andrearobinson9809]

Why not list the contractors name, lisc number , company name so other people will STAY AWAY. That's the point here, to protect others. Sssshhheezzz.

[@Carpaintry_of_God]

always check contractors for insurance coverage, for rare and terrible incidents like this.

[@brian2100]

Insurance doesn’t cover this

[@jimk4570]

The more someone says 'to tell you the truth' the less they are telling you the truth.

[@moniquepowell9499]

He's a contractor saying that he's hurting really bad financially and he has no other jobs. That should have been a red flag immediately. At 1:02 you can hear the bullshit sob story.

[@sandycharlton8669]

Customers want licences bonded insured contractors for half price

[@janemorong4970]

You can hear the shiting-himself in his voice when he says, "The architect said this!?" at 3:54.

[@rantsrus8203]

As a contractor I never charge anyone for a down payment, for peace of mind. Cause Im not wasting my money to do bad work which then equals no payment. Plus it shows the homeowner Im financially secure, in case of emergency. But yet I seem like a rare contractor that provides such service. Most want a deposit. Sorry Victor, but this is on you. Just fyi you can always go to BBB and fill out form and accredited contractors fight for your business and it takes the hunt out of the equation which is where these bad contractors lie. See BBB will only send those "leads" to A+ rated, no complaints and in business for a long time contractors.

[@allencolvin656]

been through this fiasco with a fence contractor. work was shitty, he was never there, tweekers did the work, and there was always a bullshit story...

[@ryans413]

If I was a contractor and a client had an issue where it was reasonable I’d be doing whatever I could to fix it that’s your obligation.

[@thedalillama]

After reading the comments, who knew there were so many great contractors out there? You'd think it wasn't among the least professional industries on the planet.

[@repetemyname842]

TDL: It works both ways, for every good customer theres three chronic complainers out there that never want to pay or once they hand you a check they immediately call their bank and put a stop payment on it. The shady shit goes around on both sides.

[@josephdaresh1842]

Ring him off another number offer him work if he accepts after sayin he cant work due to bad knee sue him

[@heroknaderi]

That’s Unlicensed Work😮👍

[@bdanielcal4608]

18k for that sized addition is insane never ever ever go with the lowest estimate ever ever .that edition should cost you at least 50 K as a 35 year carpenter i have downnothin to fancy bathrooms that cost over 18 k

[@ksapp8213]

Happens all the time you're looking at the money instead of looking at the contractor and the funny thing is you never check out the contractor until after he screwed you you should have did that 1st

[@TheImprovised]

Never hire a contractor that doesn't have permits and insurance! If they are too cheap it's for a reason. You get what you pay for!

[@eddievenuto1862]

If you're a contractor you don't want to fail because that makes you look bad in your business look bad and people might never use you again. If you do a bad job it could hurt you with your livelihood you might not get much money if you do bad jobs cuz people will talk bad about you and they won't use but if you do a good job that you can do the best job you can that's the best way to be but there's a lot of bad contractors that that want to take your money and not do the right thing

[@MaterLacrymarum]

Damn, the dog ate his tiles.

[@paydn202]

you get what you pay for man, we always cut corners but you need to be vigilant when you live like this. street smarts, analyze their character, look em in the eye, do research on their last jobs

[@jayc4283]

whenever someone says "to tell you the truth" or "honestly" THEY ARE LYING

[@patrciaclemons8183]

I'd like to do this to help people. Too bad I don't know shit about this field of labor

[@janelking2121]

That sucks!! I'd be very upset beyond belief. 😡

[@k3lzzm.502]

Yes but they could have picked trash up already and if you didn't tell the contractor that you wanted the old it would be disposable well in my opinion anyway.

[@deangoings]

why mention that nothing was in the dumpster? he was told to remove it and get rid of it. weird lol

[@Quagigitymire]

Was the contractor actually licensed or not? I'm not clear on this fact here, but isn't there typically a criminal aspect to performing contractor work without being licensed & bonded pretty much for this exact damn reason?

[@calculator1841]

I went years unlicensed and never fucked up a job. In fact I've seen more bad licensed work than Jose pulled from the HD parking lot.

[@magalissantiago2817]

So scary these creeps who do this crap. sorry you had to go thru this.

[@Greg-ll6ur]

Ok this is in new Jersey. You need a permit to do anything. Why didn't you make sure the guy was licensed and pulled the proper permits. It's all on you dude. Spend 15 minutes on utube or the internet. And you'll find everything you need to. About construction and permits. Sorry dude that's life. Just like getting home insurance. One might charge you 3 thousand. 1 might charge you 1 thousand. It's willie nilly out there. But as a homeowner you need to be informed. Protect your assets.

[@ryantettenburn940]

Like the old saying goes....good work isn't cheap and cheap work isn't good.

[@jeanlongsden1696]

why does it say "True Jersey"? when you are obviously New Jersey. the true Jersey is in the Channel Islands.

[@trackrunner11]

Everything this contractor said is a lie. He's a hustler! The only thing he makes is excuses! Then he backs you into a corner to where you are lucky( I mean darn lucky) if you get out of this . He's a preditor. What did he really do?He took the door( and only God knows what )and used them for another job ! Then he charged the next victim for it.As for what he is conveying to this customer to everyone... " yeah , I screwed you ,but you never get anything out of me!"

[@griswald7156]

The door and window …..where are they?..they must be somewhere…maybe in landfill?

[@victorlopez190]

I don't blame the contractor in this case for sucking at his job. I blame the owner for going with the cheapest quote.. the owner fucked up..

[@thedalillama]

Contractors can start by not parking their work trucks in my driveway to save 20 footsteps. They could end by cleaning their f'n mess.

[@lostpony4885]

Hope the contractor has good insurance.

[@gunfisher4661]

Heard that one before just got injured ,broke ect.. Classic trade marks of a fly by nighter as their called around here.

[@geneticdisorder1900]

Any updates on your story ?

[@brian2100]

Cheapest contractors cost you the most

[@dougdiplacido2406]

Just looking at the rafter job it is a disaster waiting to happen.

[@6string327]

what are you talking about? the rafters aren't engineered trusses but are made piece by piece, a traditional ridge board with the rafters fixed to the ridge and then bird mouthed over the wall head. There is nothing wrong with the roof stop talking out ur ass.

[@fastone942]

bull chap story heard that one before

[@charlesgates2908]

I had a contractor who wanted 20% up front to replace my shower wall by email with no dollar amount. Talk about stupid.

[@oldentimes236]

So how do you get 20% of no dollar amount?? 20% of an unknown number is impossible. Yeah, as the last line in your comment says....

[@streetgainer]

But what homeowner allows a contractor to do this level of work with no permits? You as the homeowner needed to check that the proper permits was in place. The fact that they weren’t would have been early stage red flag numero uno! You thought you were somehow getting over as well, so you are to blame as well.

[@dodge96sport]

Most homeowners have no clue what it takes to do a job like this. They don't know about permits and inspections, that's part of the problem, and they hand out a big check and trust their contractor to do the work. When you pay a contractor you are paying for the permits and inspections as well as the job, this guy just skipped the permits to put the money in his pocket.

[@-agent-47-80]

Homeowners.. you're the main contractor when you hire someone to fix your house.... unless you specifically hire a main contractor to oversee the work... otherwise you're the main contractor.....you hired subcontractors..... it's your fault if they don't do something correctly 😆😆😆😆

[@chocolatecoveredgummybears]

Hurt my knee LOLOL

[@calculator1841]

Something doesn't add up here. This definitely feels like a hit piece against the GC...

[@METALMAN4Wii]

Never pay until the job is done.

[@CW-yi5yw]

What do with a deck contractor that is concerning himself with other things not related to building the deck and also sending threatening aggressive text messages such as "i have ran across whimpy dudes like you before, your always the first one to ring the bell first". Contractor has some very serious issues it appears.

[@76biggdogg]

Throw a tarp on the roof for Christ sakes .... why catch the water after the fact , smh .

[@akchris83]

Ike really how long does it take to help eachother find affordable rent n work I live at work to be fair its the cost is to high for slaves im like a slave practically 🙃

[@chrisreynolds2410]

He’s gonna hook the guy up.

[@unclematt3]

I simply do not understand why this job attracts so many complete scumbags. Even paying top dollar and checking references and all the rest of it, over half the contractors you work with just do lousy, awful work. Why in the world is that?

[@fakename5625]

This is taken out of context I assure you

[@amye9655]

Fake Name uiijfse ijfdhj.ojhsqqw23 cxzsf vxde xcgfdg87

[@newhire4915]

@ian sutton ?