General

Florida contractor accused of taking money, not finishing jobs

Many homeowners throughout the state of Florida would like to make improvements to their homes. While some are able to handle upgrades on their own, it is not uncommon to end up hiring a contractor to do the work. Most homeowners assume that the individual they hire to assist with this will complete the work in a timely fashion and in a manner that measures up to a certain quality standard. Unfortunately this is not always how things go and homeowners may be left with work that leaves much to be desired or even without certain tasks being completed.

Residents of one Florida community who hired the same contractor are dealing with this very thing. The homeowners claim that the man took money for projects he never completed. At least two individuals say that despite paying 50 percent of what the project was estimated to cost, the work was never completed. One man said he paid the contractor $3,000 for concrete work, while the other said he is out $8,000.

The contractor claims the individual who claims to have paid $8,000 actually owes him money for the work completed. He also claims that he is in the process of paying back the $3,000 to the other man. According to the contractor he has suffered some health issues and is going blind. He has been criminally charged with grand theft.

While it is possible for construction disputes to occur in commercial construction situations, as this case illustrates, problems can arise between contractors and home owners as well. In situations such as this one, to try to recover funds, the assistance of a lawyer who has handled these types of cases is generally beneficial.

Source: News 4 Jax, “Contractor accused of duping residents,” Vic Micolucci and Adrienne Moore, May 19, 2014

Mon Aug 27, 1:31pm