slow, bungled job

[peggywy]

I hired a handy man in December, 2006, to do some work on my house. He has been hiring (though he is unlicensed) very unskilled workers to do most of the work. I've had to check everything they do. There are many mistakes. Obvious mistakes. Ridiculous mistakes. And it's taking a great deal longer than it should. I've given him most of the money that we agreed on. ($12,000 of the agreed on $14,150) There is still much to be done, maybe two-thirds of the job, and many building supplies yet to be purchased. How can I recoup the money and get a professional to do the job correctly and safely? I have not fired him. I certainly want to, but can't afford to. I'm a retired widow and it's taken me several years to save up this much money to spend on the work. Is there anything I can do?
Mrs. Peggy Wyman

Based on what you say here, you could file suit against him (or at least threaten to do so) in small claims court or in regular court; filing in small claims court is easier and requires no attorney...you could try to collect all of the costs and damages that you suffered due to his behavior... You may also report him to your state attorney general's office.

[wld_team]

We agree. Even the threat of court action will likely cause him to compromise here.