Legal Question in Consumer Law in Illinois

Hired help

I hired a plumber to do major work....they are 90% done...but cant finish the job because their license expired, and village inspector won't let them finishjob until new license arrives...I've been held up for 3wks-1mo waiting....Do I have to pay them bal of 2400.00 ...I could have had this rehab rented out by now..I am an owner\realtor..Do I have any recourse, can I legally discount their fee that I owe them????please advise


Asked on 11/24/08, 11:18 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Re: Hired help

If you have actual damages, you may have a valid claim to reduce the amount you owe. I would suggest discussing this approach with the plumber first.

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Answered on 11/24/08, 12:04 pm
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Re: Hired help

If you have actual damages, you may have a valid claim to reduce the amount you owe. I would suggest discussing this approach with the plumber first.

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Answered on 11/24/08, 12:04 pm
Motty Stone Law Offices of Motty Stone

Re: Hired help

If they have not completed the work, they are in breach of contract. It does not matter that they want to complete the work, the licensing issue is their problem and they are responsible for their failure.

You are probably obligated to pay for some of the fee since the plumbers did complete 90% of the job, but you are certainly not obligated to pay everything. Your best bet is to talk to the plumbers about either getting a discount or having the plumber hire someone whose license is current to come finish the job. If the plumber pays someone then he should be responsible for that bil and you can pay him the full amount due.

In any event, this will all go better if you and the plumber stay out of court and work this out.

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Answered on 11/24/08, 1:11 pm


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