Crooked Contractor puts Lien on House

[sjblmosakowski]

I had a plumbing job done (2 Sump pumps) satisfactorily on a home I own in Leavenworth KS. It is currently a rental-very nice large home. I had all kinds of water issues in the basement. The carpet was pulled revealing some cracks in the foundation. There were also cracks in the utility room where one of the sump pumps were installed. I called a business named the Crack Team to come and look at both sets of cracks. I also called the plumber to come and look at the sump pump and ensure they were working correctly as they water level around the foundation should have been dropping thus not seeping through the cracks in the wall. I never ever authorized by phone, writing or otherwise the plumber to do any crack work. The crack team said they suggested letting the pumps continue to work, put in some dehumidifiers and it should dry out. They also said it would do no good at that point to seal the cracks in the wall-to wet. They would not seal the floor cracks at all-expansion was minimal and no signs water was coming from floor. The next thing I get is a bill from the plumber for 1200.00 for cracks sealed in the floor-two days of labor and caulk-neither telling me how many hours or how much caulk. I called him and he said he made a mistake and that was the wrong amount. I also mentioned I did not authorize him to do the work but he assured me it would make a difference the cost was minimal-he would fix the bill. A month later I get a bill for 500.00 and a note a lien is going to be placed on my house if I don't pay the bill by the 10th which is tomorrow. He backdated the bill for the same day in late June he sent the first one. He will not answer my calls. Can anybody give me any suggestions?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I would send him a certified letter, return receipt requested. I would inform them that they were never authorized to do the work nor did he provide you with any detail as to the cost. If it were me, I'd do a little research first regarding how much the work should cost, his licensing, etc. I'd point out how ludicrous his extortion tactics are and that should he continue to pursue this unreasonable route, you'll not only be taking him to court but you're going to be forced to deal with him with the AG and the whichever commission handles his license. I would state a price that is reasonable and that I'd prefer to settle this amicably. If that's unacceptable, I'll be filing a case against him and disposing the entire matter in front of a judge who knows a sham when he/she sees one. Typically all they want to do is get paid something and filing a lien isn't going to help them any either even if they tried to file a mechanic's lien. Best of luck.