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J

joeblo

Guest
I'm a plumber in Connecticut. I operate a Sole Proprietorship after working my regular 40 hour a week job in a related field. about two years ago a friend asked me to do the plumbing & heating in an addition he was building off of his home/business (he's self employed). I agreed. We had a history of working together, he is in remodeling.
The addition was a very large one. It is like a whole ranch style house sitting on top of a row of garage bays that he uses for his business. His girlfriend's mother was to occupy the 'appartment' above the garages. I completed the first stage of the plumbing and got 3/4 of the way through the 2nd half of the job when thing started to change. He told me that he had some-one else to finish the heating.
He had to this point paid me in cash enough to cover materials (at my reduced cost) and I started asking for money to cover my labor. He gave me $500 and said that was just the first payment and he would make monthly payments for five more months. I agreed. After about 9 months without any payments to me he hired some-one else to finish the job. He then complained to me that I didn't finish the job.
He has since paid me one $500 payment (MAY 25,2002). He verbally agreed to pay me an additional $1,500.00 and I sent him an updated receipt.
Over the last 6 weeks I have tried to contact him by phone. It is obvious to me that he is avoiding me because he doesn't want to pay me. What are my options? I feel I should sue him personally and not his business, is this correct?
Thank you, Joeblo
 


JETX

Senior Member
First questions:
Does Connecticut require that type of work to be performed by a licensed and/or bonded??
And if so, are YOU licensed and bonded??

The reason I ask is... this will be one of the first questions asked in court and if you a licensed contractor is required and you are not, then the court could very possibly rule that you have no right to recovery.
 

JETX

Senior Member
As a licensed contractor, then you have some choices:

1) You can file a legal action against him. Small claims limit in CT is $3500. If your claim is for more, then you would have to file in a higher court.
2) You can file a contractors (or mechanics) lien on the property.
 
J

joeblo

Guest
Thank you, I thought small claims was my only option. Can you explain the property lein?
 

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