Legal Question in Consumer Law in Washington

Allowing an angry merchant into my home

I sent a certified letter to a business three days ago giving them three days to come out and finish an installation that started back in July 2006 or I would hire another company. My kitchen and bathrooms have been torn apart for the installation months ago. Every week since July 30th they have been promising to get it done. A crew of two came out one time and started. They cut the wrong color and wrong sizes. Part of the kitchen counter top is installed and other pieces are in the garage and living room. We took time off from work several times to be at home. They would not show up or call. They stopped answering their phones. After the manager received the certified letter he left a voice mail screaming at us with a threat to put a lien on our house. He was yelling saying we owe him money and he will be at our home 10:00 am tomorrow. I am afraid to let him and his crew in my home. I don't know what he is capable of. What should I do. We paid down $1,000 and agreed to pay the balance upon completion. Because he is now angry, I am not only afraid of what he will do, but the crew will probably not do a good job. Please reply. I need an answer before tomorrow.


Asked on 11/17/06, 9:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Allowing an angry merchant into my home

Hello: This isn't a merchant, it's a contractor. Contractors have to be licensed through the State Department of Labor and Industries. You can check their license status on that website.

Contractors are required to carry bonds to protect consumers. The minimum bond amount is $5,000.00. This is to protect you from unscrupulous contractors and bad workmanship.

You should consider hiring another contractor to fix the problem, and then hiring an attorney to deal with the first contractor.

Don't let screaming people into your home, obviously. You can always summon a police officer if a screaming person threatens you.

Hope this helps. Powell

Read more
Answered on 11/18/06, 1:44 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in Washington