What would you do? GC problem, worth trying to solve?

Question

Long story short: we are new to the game and the GC ran off with about $22k. What would you do? Take it as an expensive lesson? File a lawsuit? The contractor had us writing checks to his name and not his LLC name.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Cyndi Blalock

1. File criminal charges

2. File with state board of contractors

3. Have attorney file monetary judgement

Monetary judgment would not cost more than a few grand.

Cyndi Blalock · Answer

Ok say more words about criminal charges please....I did search on the MO courts website and he was in touble for being behind on child support..

JD Martin · Answer

Ran off with $22k? File a police report for sure. Follow up with the state contracting board.

Eliott Elias · Answer

You could file a lawsuit but that’s just gonna cost extra money. Best thing you could do is put them on blacklist on Facebook and make sure you put new contractors you hire are under a contract and never pay them anything until work is complete

Cyndi Blalock · Answer

Thanks Greg

In Missouri small claims tops out at $5000. That would be better than nothing....

Good call on the reviews!

We've been working on systems moving forward

Thanks for your reply!

Greg Scott · Answer

Sadly, if you were to sue for the full amount, it would likely cost you more than you would receive.  Here are some other ideas.

1) Take it to small claims court.  In our local court, claims are capped at $11K, so you couldn't fully recover, but you might get a judgement for about half.  You shouldn't need an attorney for small claims.

2) Ensure others are not taken.  Contact BBB, provide Google reviews, Angies list, etc.

3) Going forward, put in place processes for not getting burned again

What would you do? GC problem, worth trying to solve?

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