Legal Question in Construction Law in California

Breach of contract

On Feb 2nd. I decided to do some work to my home and called a few people in the Penny Saver for estimates. I ended up going with some family run business, they started off really good but got about 1/3 of the job done then disappeared. I found out where they live, but for the last two months they say they'll be here next week to finish but don't show up. I've paid them 13,000 dollars and only have 5,000 dollars worth of work done. What can I do in this case. I am pretty sure they don't have a contractors license. I have also been approached by 2 other people that said they had the same thing happen to them by the same people, except they didn't have a phone number or address for them. I made them sign a contract of the plan I drew up.

Thanks,


Asked on 6/24/02, 11:11 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Redenbacher Redenbacher & Brown, LLP

Re: Breach of contract

In the case of an unlicensed contractor such as this, you should contact both the Contractors State License Board and the District Attorney.

You can also bring a private lawsuit and, theoretically, recover 100% of the fees you've paid to the unlicensed contractor. Frequently, however, these people are deadbeats living from check to check. You have a better chance of getting your money back if the District Attorney or CSLB brings charges and they make restitution one of the requirements of avoiding a heavier sentence.

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Answered on 6/24/02, 12:24 pm


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