Legal Question in Construction Law in Connecticut

I have no paper contract. A heating/plumbing contractor strung me along making me believe I was paying his material costs plus $3000 for labor. I gave him upfront a check marked for material for more than he estimated the material to be. I thought it was understood that material money not used would be credited back to me. When he asked for more money, I asked for the invoices. He gave me quote slips from a supplier that were marked up 45%, not invoices. He also left me a paper note claiming he was making no money on material and I should sympathize that the tough labor market is making him work cheap. When I confronted him that I priced and got paper material quotes from the same supplier for 45% less, he claimed he had to mark up material to make up for his low labor cost.

He refuses to return the balance of the material cost. Did he defraud me? Is what he did punishable as a crime? Do I have enough paper evidence to prove it? The balance minus what I owe for labor is $1200, is this a small claims matter?


Asked on 10/03/09, 8:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Linda Subbloie Linda A. Subbloie, Esq.

First of all, you should visit the CT Dept. of Consumer Protection website. You may find some avenues for relief in this type of situation.

If you are unsuccessful with the Department, then you can sue the contractor in small claims court. Make sure you seek all of the damages you think you may be entitled to. Damages in small claims court are awarded up to $5000.00 plus the filing fee.

Read more
Answered on 10/08/09, 9:03 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Construction Law questions and answers in Connecticut