Laminate wood floor installation

[fairisfair]

Thanks for all the help.

I guess my next step is to have an inspector look over the workmanship.

I cant seam to find the license number for the contractor using the web site you suggested. I tried calling and e-mailing asking for the number but no reply. I read on the website that in MI you need a license for work over $600. If the contractor does not have a license what would that change?

Where did you find him, was he an installer recommended by Lowe's? Was he out of the phone book? a newspaper? If he was advertising, he should have listed his license number in the advertisement, or noted that he was not a licensed contractor. In which case 1)you should have been very hesitant is using him and 2) you may have eliminated some of your means of reimbursement through the registrar (equiv) of contractors.

 

[Sitbck]

Where did you find him, was he an installer recommended by Lowe's? Was he out of the phone book? a newspaper? If he was advertising, he should have listed his license number in the advertisement, or noted that he was not a licensed contractor. In which case 1)you should have been very hesitant is using him and 2) you may have eliminated some of your means of reimbursement through the registrar (equiv) of contractors.[/QUOTE

Its a long story but in the beginning a cable company caused damage to my house when they installed cable. They hired this contractor for the job. I told the contractor that I wanted to have wood floor installed and he told me he could give me the best deal. I assumed he was a licensed contractor because he had done over $5,000 worth of repair work for the cable company.

 

[justalayman]

Well so far I have had no luck finding his license either but I will keep looking.
Now I did see this from the:
State of Michigan
Department of Labor and Economic Growth
Division of Commercial Services
Enforcement Division

The department, as a matter of policy, does not investigate complaints against a person or business who practices an occupation or profession without obtaining the required license. This is a criminal offense and is the primary responsibility of the local prosecuting authority. However, the Enforcement Division will assist the prosecuting agency as

This is also from the State's website:

Michigan State Board of Residential Builders and Maintenance & Alteration Contractors

The Michigan Residential Builders and Maintenance & Alteration Contractors Board was created under Article 24 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, to license and regulate persons engaged in the construction of a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure, or persons who undertake the repair, alteration, addition, subtraction or improvement of a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure for compensation other than wages for personal labor.

A state license must be displayed in the place of business and all contractors and their salespersons must carry a pocket card which you should ask to see. If they cannot show you a license, check the department's License Information database or call the Verification Unit at (517) 241-9288.

Now I am not positive about this. The highlighted portion above concerns me as to this being the appropriate authority. With it being a company though, I would believe it is the correct department to talk with. Try the phone number. They may be able to help you find this guys license. As posted above though, if he did not have the required license, it is a criminal offense. Your local prosecuting attorney/district attorney office would be the place to contact to report this guy.

If he doesn't have a license, I think it makes it easier to win a judgement for your money since he isn't supposed to be doing this at all.
If he has a license, there is a complaint section around the link I posted before. If all else fails,"www.mi.gov" will get you to the beginning.

Ultimately you may need to sue this guy. Some research into the license situation may be prudent before showing up in court. The courts will probably accept a sworn statement from other contractors as to the quality of work but they would rather be able to question the person themselves. A statement will not carry as much weight as a witness.

Maybe he will see it your way if presented with the other possibilities.