How can you protect yourself from hiring a contractor who takes your money but fails to do the job? Local 12 Troubleshooter Howard Ain says a Tri-State man learned some very valuable lessons after this happened to him.
Paul Garrett of Delhi explains: "He was going to replace all this, tear up all this concrete and there was going to be a paver patio that was going to extend out to this stoop. So that was the project.
DID HE EVER GET A PERMIT? He told me I didn't need any permits."
But, he did because the contract calls for construction of a deck, after removing an awning. The company Garrett hired? Jaws Construction. Owner Paul Worsham asked for half the $13,000 price tag upfront and Garrett paid it. "The guy was fairly charming quite frankly and sort of believable in the beginning and a very good communicator at the early part of our engagement. He was calling me every other day. He gave me references which I checked."
Although he paid $6500 back in August: "Materials never showed up at the job site. As my comfort level rapidly declined one of the things I asked for I said I need a timeline that you'll stick to and receipts for materials. He sent me a timeline but never receipts for materials and that's when I knew I was in trouble."
The company's flyer says "Our business is built on customer satisfaction and referrals" but Garrett says although he's called repeatedly the company will not call back. He says Jaws Construction has certainly taken a bite out of his wallet. "I certainly figured this is theft. He took $6500 from me and tore down my awning."
Garrett says police won't get involved because Jaws Construction had started work by taking down that awning. Therefore, they don't consider this to be theft. I called Jaws Construction and left a message but no one called back. A letter to the owner's home was returned saying he had moved.
So, protect yourself by never paying more than 10 percent upfront except for special order items. Never pay more money than the amount of work that's been done. Always put start and completion dates on the contract. And make sure you have an address for the company. Jaws Construction only listed a post office box.
