Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 5/24/2010

Question
We hired a contractor to essentially tear down our ranch and rebuild a two story home in its place.  I pass by a house on the way to work that was having similar work done.  That is how I found the contractor.  I am starting to have serious concerns about the contractor.  He collected a $50k deposit from us at the end of march.  Nothing has been done on the project and it is now May 24th.  He was supposed to have submitted the drawings to the township when we gave him the deposit.  He said the township takes about a month to approve.  A week and a half ago, he told me that the architect had to make some changes and that the paperwork didn't get submitted until about a week ago.  I called the township, they told me nothing had been submitted.  At this point, construction on the other house has pretty much stopped and the owner of that house told me that another customer is trying to go after the contractor's license.  I dont know what to do : (

Answer
Hi claudia, contact your local building department and report this.  Also it wouldn't hurt to hire an attorney.  The sooner the better.  I'm not sure where you live but whoever issues the contractor licenses in your area should be notified and liens filed against the contractor.  Sorry, but the sooner you get after this guy the better.   I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matter, sincerely bruce e johnson.