Subcontractor Didn't Finish The job

[colt]

Hi,

I had an HVAC contractor install a heat pump in my home. he said he would install the heatpump but I need an electrical upgrade ( from 60 amp to 200 amp service) He installed the heat pump and I payed him for that portion of the job and he said he would send an electrician out to do the job in a few days and I would pay an additional 1,500.00 for the electrical work when it was completed. he said the upgrade would take 2-3 days and to not use my heatpump,oven,ordryer all at once I would be ok. Well , the electrician cam out and did everything but have the power company come out and run a new line from the pole and the electrician was to tie into my new 200 amp circuit box. He hasn't returned and today makes six months since he was here.

I have called the contractor who did the heatpump like six times and each time he says he will have the guy get out here and finish. This is been a real burden and I am my wits end. I was wondering if I call in my own electrican and have him get this squared away do I still owe the original electrician the pull price or any moneyt at all since he has caused not to be able to run my dryer,stove,etc,,,,, with shutting off the A/C?

Im not trying to stiff the guy and not pay him, but he absolutley will not cpme finish the job......

Thanks for any help.

Colt

[Abe]

Based on what I've seen on court tv shows and other advice on the net, it sounds like you need to send the contractor a notice to "complete or forfeit."(Certified mail, return receipt requested.) Give him 10 or

12 working days from the date of the letter.

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[Russ]

"colt" wrote

Sounds like a case for Judge Judy!

[SQLit]

Licensed? Permitted? Call the state agency that handles these things and file an complaint. If you did not pay the goon then call the power company yourself and have them finish the job. Hopefully you have gotten the inspection. As a hint depending on the size of the wire to your house the power company may not change the wire. If you had a 60 amp service before then it would seem to me that you do not have an electric dryer or stove. If the major appliances are gas do not worry about it. Ask for a discount

[steve]

Ok..WHO hasnt gotten back? The Electrician?

6 months?

Something does not sound right here, or I just for whatever reason dont understand what isnt complete.

When we run into this issue, and we do often with heat pumps, we arrange for the electrician to pull permits, and get started BEFORE we come out, and when the final inspection is due for the electrical, the electrican makes the final connection to the heat pump and air handler if needed. If the electrician has not returned, and its been 6 months, you MIGHT be out of luck...some states have a limit on the time required to file claim..here, its 3 years, so if you lived in this area, you would have time. Suggest this..

Since you state you dont want to screw the guy, altho hes screwing with you...do this. Call the HVAC guy, and say something like...Look...its been 6 months, and nothing. Since you cant handle it, we are going to hire our own electrician, and subtract the amount from your final payment unless you can have him here in X days and complete this.

Since the electrician is a sub, and the HVAC guy does not set his schedule, its wise to give him a couple of days...after that, hire your own, and simply subtract the amount from your final payment to the HVAC guy. When you send the HVAC guy his final payment, make a note on the check that its payment in FULL, and if you want to cover the bases, send a letter thats been notorized that states that cashing the check indicates that payment is in full, and all mechanical liens have been released. IF your HVAC guy pulled permits, as he should have done, the final inspections must be called in, or he can leave you in limbo in some areas...

[colt]

Yes, The electrician is the one that has not showed up.

The HVAC guy when I call him to complain, he keeps saying yeah I need to get the electrician out there so I can get the permit &inspection. If there is suppossed to be a permit before the work starts It's not around here anywhere. But, I do know that "Duke Energy" will not run the new line with out it .

Thanks for the info. I'm in South Carolina and not sure what the complaint process is. I called the Building codes people, Permit office, local magistrate ...... They all told me to hire a lawyer. I would like to avoid a lawyer , his fee would cost half what the job costs

I may just do like you say and hire my own and tell this guy to piss off if hasn't showed up in a few weeks. \

[steve]

I am on Duke (Sucks, but thats all we have in this part of the county), and they wont run it thats for sure. We deal with them all the time, and that permit should be there... And....your HVAC guy better have pulled a permit....

About the same as here in NC. Its a little different. What county are you in? Also, the SAG office can help greatly in matters like this..

Few Weeks?????

Man...I own my own HVAC company in NC, and what this guys done is wrong. Its a simple fix....call, tell him hes fired, and you will get your own. if need be, and you are close the NC line, I might have a couple of guys licenced in your area that can get there in hours..not weeks....

[m Ransley]

The guy abandoned the job , that simple. Get it fixed and you dont owe him a dime, No judge will rule for him. Business is to be done in a " timely manner" 6 mo is a joke.

[colt]

Steve, I am located in Greenville County. I am about 58 Miles from Asheville. Yes. Duke caught hell when we had that big ice storm last winter. I hear Greenville County told them to get thier head out of thier ass or they would dump them. Let me know if you have any guys near by.

Thanks, Chris

[colt]

That is what I'm hoping for......

Thanks.

Chris