In September, our family "completed" a partial home remodel that began mid-June with a reputable local builder with great references, awards, insurance, good standing in the community, etc. We were aware that the electrical inspection had failed for a fairly minor item, but went ahead and paid the building contractor the final amount due, feeling comfortable that the electrical subcontractor would make the adjustments necessary to pass the city inspection. When that didn't happen, we called the builder and only got voice mail with no returned calls and our telephone numbers blocked to the project manager's cell phone. During the remodel, one of our air conditioning returns was altered and made smaller than the original. When we went to get our air ducts cleaned, it was indicated by them, as well as another HVAC company that not only did the return need to be out of the kitchen, but also that it was too small to be "code". Again we called the builder. On the same day we got this news, we also received a letter in the mail from a subcontractor that they had not been paid by the builder and if they did not receive payment would file a mechanic's lein against our property. My husband finally got in touch with the builder, who indicated that things had gone terribly wrong for him and that he had to file bankruptcy and that his company was no longer in operation. After that call, we found out that the gas and mechanical inspections had failed also. What the inspector indicated for the failure does not appear to be anything major. He was kind enough to call the subcontractor that did the work while he was at my home to indicate the failures and what needed to be done for the inspections to pass. He had the owner of this company on speaker phone so that I could hear the conversation. This subcontractor also indicated that he had not been paid and was also going to file a mechanic's lein.
Since we've never done a home remodel or dealt with builders, subcontractors or inspections; we're not sure how to proceed. We know that we need to get these items corrected in order to be compliant so that we can get these inspections completed.
Any suggestions? How do we find out who didn't get paid and may possibly be filing mechanic's leins against us? Should we file against this company's bankruptcy? Do we need a lawyer? We feel fortunate that our house was "completed" to the extent it was and are happy with the work (except for what has caused rejected inspections).
Since we've never done a home remodel or dealt with builders, subcontractors or inspections; we're not sure how to proceed. We know that we need to get these items corrected in order to be compliant so that we can get these inspections completed.
Any suggestions? How do we find out who didn't get paid and may possibly be filing mechanic's leins against us? Should we file against this company's bankruptcy? Do we need a lawyer? We feel fortunate that our house was "completed" to the extent it was and are happy with the work (except for what has caused rejected inspections).
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I've been doing a lot of laying in bed the last week and a half trying to sleep this off, I guess. Let me put this computer down and head to the gym, and get back to the business of living since the extra sleep hasn't made it go away.
I guess I was wallowing in a bit of self-pity and I may stumble again before I see this through to the end, but right now it's "get over yourself and move forward and do what you need to do!" There's worse things; lots worse!