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Wordless Wednesday -- Calling all Home Inspectors

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Industry Observer with RETIRED / State License is Inactive Inactive License Oregon

Wordless Wednesday -- Calling all Home Inspectors

I recently hired a licensed contractor to repair some dry-rot which was underneath the threshold of a slider, install a new slider, and replace some dry-rotted deck boards.  

Apparently, when the deck was installed about 8 years ago, it wasn't properly flashed.  Over time, the rain seeped in, and dry-rot occured underneath the threshold, and the ends of some deck boards.

I KNEW what was going on, what needed to be done and called out the contractor. 

The above shows the "completed" job!

And I was charged over $1,000, which I paid, only to find out later this is how the job was completed.  This is a rental property and I don't live there.

The guy installed the slider in the opposite direction  . . . he couldn't even figure out which way the original door opened!  I never asked for the position of the slider's opening to be changed.  

Next, he cut through the garage CEDAR SIDING to replace siding underneath the deck.  He told me he did this, and you can see the wonderful job he did of it too!  He left the job site, told me it was completed WITH the damage he caused to the garage siding!  Oddly enough, there is NO SIDING, just sheathing, and it's all unprotected!

Also, do you see the GAP from the threshold to the decking -- THERE IS NO FLASHING, the slider door threshold is unsupported the entire length AND, the decking is gapped both height and width over 1 1/2".  The area is now wide open for the rain to penetrate, which is going to cause the same, and even MORE damage.

He replaced some deck boards, but clearly not all.  And he left some deck boards loose and unattached properly.

He left the debris and garbage on-site, didn't even bother to clean up the site properly.  Although he TOOK the original slider -- which was in PERFECT condition, other than the threshold being cracked.  The panes to the slider were mine.  He took them with him, but left the rest of the non-sale-able debris for me to deal with.  

And, to top it off, he had his minor child on the site helping him do the work!

So the guy was paid over $1,000 and when he left the property and he left it in WORSE condition!

And now I have to take my time and money to correct the situation . . . AGAIN!!

I will be filing a complaint with the Contractors Construction Board next month.

When I mailed the 30-day advance notice (which is required) the contractor called me after he was in receipt of the notice and asked:  "What seems to be the problem?"

He'll find out when I file the complaint, won't he!

 

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Carla Muss-Jacobs has RETIRED effective May 1, 2018

Representing Buyers in the Portland Metro Real Estate Market | Clackamas Multnomah and Washington Counties | Since 1999

Carla Muss-Jacobs, REALTOR®, ABR, CEBA, ePro
Principal Broker/Owner ~~ INACTIVE

Carla Muss-Jacobs' retirement became effective May 1, 2018

Direct: 503-810-7192 

 

All Rights Reserved © 

Comments (6)

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Carla,  I filed a complaint against a contractor as well. It went all the way to court because he denied he was contracting.  Liar-Liar pants on fire.  He will likely not only have to pay a $750 fine, he may be required to reimburse me what I paid him to the tune of $800.  I feel your pain and frustration. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this.  Keep up a good fight. 

Aug 28, 2013 05:52 AM
Francine Viola
Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA - Olympia, WA
REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs

Argh!  How awful!  I have a contractor doing some work on my house right now and it's just painful.  I don't like having to hover over someone and babysit them in order to do their job, not to mention all the other headaches that come with hiring a contractor.  Good luck and hope it turns out in your favor.

Aug 28, 2013 06:00 AM
Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

He needs to reimburse you immediately.  What a mess and what a pitb that you have to go and get this corrected...ugh

Aug 28, 2013 06:53 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

What is wrong with people.  It really is total crap.  I hope he has to reimburse you so you can actually get it fixed. 

Aug 28, 2013 12:58 PM
Joetta Fort
The DiGiorgio Group - Arvada, CO
Independent Broker, Homes Denver to Boulder

I couldn't believe it when you said those are the 'AFTER' pictures!  That's the worst thing about owning rental property - having to find good contractors when you're not on site.

Aug 29, 2013 03:19 AM
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

This guy has some nerve. He needs to not only reimburse you but pay the contractor who is going to fix his mess up. So sorry to hear about that Carla. Happy Sunday to you. Have a great and safe Labor Day. Take care.

Sep 01, 2013 08:20 AM