Legal Question in Consumer Law in Pennsylvania

I recently entered into an agreement with Precision Builders, NJ to submit a home insurance claim for the siding on my home in PA which got damaged by a hail storm months ago. Precision Builders are knocking on the doors of everyone in my neighborhood within a 2 mile radius and doing the work for many homes. My claim process involved Precision Builders chalking the areas of damage by one of their workers and producing an work estimate for the inspection by my Erie Insurance adjuster . My Adjuster approved it immediately but the check for $7000 (based on the insurance numbers) took 6 weeks to get to me. Within that time, I experienced a very bad financial set back ( I am self employed) and I have decided not to go ahead with the siding and use the money to save my home.(pay my mortgage)

Precision Builders told me since I am not going through with it, I owe them $1500 as per our contract for their part in getting the money for me. I feel this is very unfair.I was the one on the phone with the adjuster setting up meetings etc. I give out free estimates and consult with people for hours to get their business and never charge for it if I don't get the job. But apparently I signed a contract stating this (which was not revealed when I signed it--it was written on the back page).

What are my options now? I cannot afford to pay them $1500.00 I am a single mother and every cent I have has to go elsewhere.


Asked on 6/08/10, 8:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rachel Hunter

Read the agreement with Precision Builders, LLC. If the contract says that you are obligated, then you are stuck. See if they will allow you to pay this back in a more manageable chunk, like $100 a month or something. You can always pay it off quicker if things improve.

The mistake was in signing up with a door to door company like this. Did you check them out first? Maybe if they have a history of complaints, you can contact the attorney general of NJ and/or Pennsylvania? Or the BBB? The BBB will only work if they are members or if they have shown a willingness to resolve complaints. Or use the informtion to work out some kind of settlement with them? Even your financial setback can be a reason.

Feel free to contact me if you want me to review your contract and/or send a letter on your behalf to Precision Builders to try and get this negotiated down.

Rachel Lea Hunter

Attorney at Law

[email protected]

(678)-687-9693

Admitted in GA, PA & NC

Read more
Answered on 6/09/10, 10:35 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in Pennsylvania