What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York
Our home was 95 % rebuilt due to a house fire and Sandy. The only original part of the home was the 2 block foundation, which was increased due to code. (Hope that made sense.) We hired a home inspector after telling and asking our contractor to fix the front door. It sticks so bad that can barely open it from the inside and need to kick it open from the outside. The contractor repeatedly stated that "there is nothing wrong, it will work itself out and it's because we do not have a storm door protecting the front door from rain. We also had some workmanship and structural concerns. We have not received the inspectors report, but these are some issues that were found.
1. The kitchen is not level by 1/4 over 4 feet. The inspector stated that it could be poor workmanship and was built improperly or no visable structural defects are noted at this time, BUT could appear in time.
2. Moldings are poorly cut and installed.
3. Brand new doors have cracks in them where the latches were installed.
4. The HVAC circuit breakers are 20 and not tied. (Not sure that this means, but inspector stated that it needs to be addressed.)
5. High hats on second floor, which are in the attic, do not appear to be "incorrect" model for installation next to insulation.
6. Numerous electrical outlets move, as if they were not screwed to studs properly
We still owe the contractor $14,000. Like most people in our situation, all monies went into the house and rebuilding our lives. Contractor has also failed to complete punch list, along with promises made in contract (ie..remove all constrcution debris, wrong doors installed) With all that I've written is this it...Do we hire an attorney?
a. If we do hire an attorney, what type?
b. Can the contractor be held responsible for attorney costs?
c. Our contractor has caused us so many problems, if I hired another person to fix his mistakes, can or will the contractor be responsible for reimbursing us the cost?
We are so tired and frustrated by this experience that I do not know what to do next.....
Our home was 95 % rebuilt due to a house fire and Sandy. The only original part of the home was the 2 block foundation, which was increased due to code. (Hope that made sense.) We hired a home inspector after telling and asking our contractor to fix the front door. It sticks so bad that can barely open it from the inside and need to kick it open from the outside. The contractor repeatedly stated that "there is nothing wrong, it will work itself out and it's because we do not have a storm door protecting the front door from rain. We also had some workmanship and structural concerns. We have not received the inspectors report, but these are some issues that were found.
1. The kitchen is not level by 1/4 over 4 feet. The inspector stated that it could be poor workmanship and was built improperly or no visable structural defects are noted at this time, BUT could appear in time.
2. Moldings are poorly cut and installed.
3. Brand new doors have cracks in them where the latches were installed.
4. The HVAC circuit breakers are 20 and not tied. (Not sure that this means, but inspector stated that it needs to be addressed.)
5. High hats on second floor, which are in the attic, do not appear to be "incorrect" model for installation next to insulation.
6. Numerous electrical outlets move, as if they were not screwed to studs properly
We still owe the contractor $14,000. Like most people in our situation, all monies went into the house and rebuilding our lives. Contractor has also failed to complete punch list, along with promises made in contract (ie..remove all constrcution debris, wrong doors installed) With all that I've written is this it...Do we hire an attorney?
a. If we do hire an attorney, what type?
b. Can the contractor be held responsible for attorney costs?
c. Our contractor has caused us so many problems, if I hired another person to fix his mistakes, can or will the contractor be responsible for reimbursing us the cost?
We are so tired and frustrated by this experience that I do not know what to do next.....
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