(sorry for the long read
)
hey all,
just seeking some advice on how best to deal with a contractor who has been installing fences in our subdivision.
We moved into a new housing subdivision and have recently had a company come in and put up fencing in the area (as per their contract).
At the end of July, our fence was roughly 90% complete (just a few pieces missing that were decorative along the tops and bottoms of the fence panels).
My biggest mistake was paying the owner at the end of July in good faith that he would actually come by the next week and complete the fence. He stated he was short on materials and shipment was arriving the first week of August. Everything was fine up to this point so I had no reason not to believe him considering he was still in the area working on our neighbours houses.
Its now 2 months later and we're still waiting on this project to be completed. Clearly at this stage, he is taking advantage of the situation and I have no doubt he doesn't intend to ever return.
In a 2 month span, he has promised me completion dates on 5 separate occasions (via written notes on the contract, texts, in person and phone calls). He also keeps stating that the wood is continuously on backorder despite also telling me on 3 occasions that they've received the shipment and he was "on top of it" and "not to worry".
I know that he's just playing games but I'm trying to get him to fulfil his contractual obligations before he disappears from the subdivision for good. I wish I read online reviews of his company prior to this as they all state the same thing (take the money and run).
Do I have any options aside from small claims court? Any advice or ideas anyone can throw out would be helpful
-Kyle
