Contractor No Work - What Would You Do?

Question

I was working w/ a general-ish contractor, but paying for the subs myself. He hired a guy he knew for the electric and signed a contract with him, then gave him one of our checks for $1000 as a down-payment. He didn't get the permit to go through for a while, we ended up cutting ties with that general contractor and the electrician still has our money and did not do any work. I called 5 days ago with no return call. He is licensed and has something to lose.

What would be your next steps of action? Small claims court, collection agency, lawyer note, etc.

Thanks for any help you can give!

What would be your next steps of action?  Small claims court, collection agency, lawyer note, etc.

Thanks for any help you can give!

Linda Weygant · Answer

Check the contract and make sure this deposit wasn't non-refundable.  Assuming it wasn't, send a certified letter to demand your refund.  Include a copy of the contract indicating the deposit is refundable.  If no response, then start a small claims case.

Good luck!

Not legal advice.

John Hamilton · Answer

@Chris S.Cancel the check if you can. The best way to avoid that, if they haven't cashed it, yet. Otherwise, contact them. If they don't respond, mail a certified letter explaining the situation and give an option. Either return the check or bid on the job and use the $1,000 and deposit for he work to be rendered.

If that still doesn't work, you can go to state board and electrician's union or lobby to fight. Maybe even a lawyer will help. But all that is worth time and money.

Chris S. · Answer

@John Hamilton  Thanks for the response!

@Linda Weygant Thanks for the response!

He did cash the check.  I sent a text to the old GC and asked for the contract that he signed.  Still waiting on that.  I trusted it would be fine b/c the old GC said the electrician was a stand up guy.  Anyway, live and learn.  Thanks for the help..