Legal Question in Construction Law in Kentucky

Verbal Contract

Three years ago I bought a house and started rehabbing it myself.I was hiring the subs and performing most of the work myself to save money.When it came time to hire a framer, my mother suggested I call my uncle ''A''.I called and he agreed to do the framing for under $3,000(verbal contract).He charged me an hourly rate and i paid it on time.Uncle ''B'' (who charged me nothing)and myself helped Uncle ''A'' perform all the work.When the addition was under roof Uncle ''A'' presented to me a written propsal to completely finish the remaining work for $10,000.He stated I could walk away and not have to do anything but move in when it was finished.I thanked him and told him I had already paid other subs and that i did not have the funds to hire him. So I did not sign or agree to this proposal. Later that year I ran out of money and time.Uncle ''A'' offered to help.Money was never mentioned.Uncle ''B'' and myself again helped Uncle ''A''.We completed the drywall, but did not hang doors,trim or cabinets.The house is still unfinished.Uncle ''A'' is now threatening to sue me for the $10,000 in his original proposal.Saying we had a verbal contract. He never once told me he was charging me.Can he do this? What should I do?


Asked on 6/30/05, 5:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Philip Owens Philip M. Owens, Attorney at Law

Re: Verbal Contract

A contract can be verbal. A lot more information is needed in order to determine whether or not yours and your uncle's conduct created a contract. See a reputable attorney in your locality for face to face advice. What you may have considered unimportant in the sequence of events may be very important in determining what your responsibilities are.

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Answered on 7/01/05, 2:59 am


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