Question:
>As a consumer, I always feel like I’m the one getting the short end of the >stick when it comes to various transactions.
Then you probably generally get what you expect, because nobody good would want to deal with someone who was always treating them like they were a crook. Only the people who DO intend to rip you off, don’t mind being treated with that type of suspicion and accusatory manner, that that "consumer" attitude carries with it. -v.
Response:
> They told me that they would schedule my job to last a certain number of > days. At the end of the last day, they would expect payment from me. In > the event that the job was not complete, because of unforseen > complications, I would still have to pay 95% of the agreed-upon contract > amount. The remaining 5% would be paid when the job was complete. They > explained that they need to pay their suppliers, and that is why I have to > pay at least 95% on the last day of installation. Of course, nothing in > the contract I signed contains any of this wordage. My position is that I > shouldn’t have to pay a dime unless the work is complete! Am I being > unreasonable to expect that the job be complete before I pay the > contractor? I’m not talking about something minor, like a vent not having > the right cover, but more like the thing doesn’t blow out cold air.
If you put yourself in the contractor’s shoes, you can see why they need to get paid at least some. They’ve already put the equipment in your home, and used their tools and expertise. However, since that 95% isn’t in the contract, if you are really and truly uncomfortable paying it, you can try something else. If you think they’ve done 95% of the work, then pay it. If there’s more than 5% of the work left to do (or the remaining 5% wouldn’t cover having someone else come out to finish), then pay them something less… but not zero. If you act on good faith, in a businesslike manner, you won’t tick them off. > The second issue concerns the required post-installation inspections > required by the city permit office. My concern is that all work that is > done to install the system must be in compliance with local building codes > and permit requirements. The inspection by the city will take place a few > days after I make full payment (provided that the installation is > complete). But if the inspector finds an issue caused by the installer not > following permit guidelines, what recourse do I have? I was told by this > contractor that they will correct any issues that the inspector finds, but > I feel like I’d have no way to force the installer to correct an issue, > since they’ve already received payment.
You’ve checked references, right? Called your local Better Business Bureau? Now’s better than never. What can I do as a consumer to > protect myself from a contractor who completes a job, but a permit > inspection is still outstanding, and could possibly require corrective > actions?
IF that happens, the first thing would be to talk to the owner of the business, if you’re not already. Then threaten to contact the BBB, if nothing is done. Then follow through. Then pursue legal action. But hopefully you won’t have to. Reputable business people do exist in this world. Jeanne
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