My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: PA
A relative of mine (who is now deceased, and who's estate I executed) had a family friend who is a licensed general contractor in PA renovate his basement. Prior to this I was involved with said family member and contractor in some of the discussions, however arrangement was between the contractor and my relative. Total cost was $45,000. I have since moved into the house and now own it (inherited property from my family member). There was no formal contract - all verbal. Several receipts here and there, but nothing formal. There are numerous issues with the workmanship - trim which has separated away from the walls, poor drop ceiling installation, several doors that can't even close due to being hung crooked, water stains on drop ceiling tiles from a leaking dryer vent, etc. Nothing that I would consider dangerous in my own handyman experience. Refrigerator in basement keep tripping the GFCI circuit every time it would come on so I had a licensed electrician come in and take care of it. Upon doing some of that work, he pointed out the laziness of the original contractor - little things like not having the romex tacked at correct intervals, 12 and 14 gauge wire runs mixed together (checked my licensed electrician to ensure breakers could handle). I've also had 2 other contractors that I personally know come in and take a look at everything and the common theme is that my relative was ripped off - both contractors said what they saw would not have cost more than $30,000. Realize that doesn't matter now. But what does matter is the shoddy workmanship left behind that I have to look at everyday.
Do I have any recourse here other than asking the guy who did the work nicely to fix it? Since I was not the individual who entered into a verbal contract what him, do I even have any standing? I do know that the work was done without permits - but I am now living in the house and don't want this coming back on me. To be clear - I have NO plans of selling this house unless I am forced to due to needing money, but I don't see that being an issue.
Any advice or suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
A relative of mine (who is now deceased, and who's estate I executed) had a family friend who is a licensed general contractor in PA renovate his basement. Prior to this I was involved with said family member and contractor in some of the discussions, however arrangement was between the contractor and my relative. Total cost was $45,000. I have since moved into the house and now own it (inherited property from my family member). There was no formal contract - all verbal. Several receipts here and there, but nothing formal. There are numerous issues with the workmanship - trim which has separated away from the walls, poor drop ceiling installation, several doors that can't even close due to being hung crooked, water stains on drop ceiling tiles from a leaking dryer vent, etc. Nothing that I would consider dangerous in my own handyman experience. Refrigerator in basement keep tripping the GFCI circuit every time it would come on so I had a licensed electrician come in and take care of it. Upon doing some of that work, he pointed out the laziness of the original contractor - little things like not having the romex tacked at correct intervals, 12 and 14 gauge wire runs mixed together (checked my licensed electrician to ensure breakers could handle). I've also had 2 other contractors that I personally know come in and take a look at everything and the common theme is that my relative was ripped off - both contractors said what they saw would not have cost more than $30,000. Realize that doesn't matter now. But what does matter is the shoddy workmanship left behind that I have to look at everyday.
Do I have any recourse here other than asking the guy who did the work nicely to fix it? Since I was not the individual who entered into a verbal contract what him, do I even have any standing? I do know that the work was done without permits - but I am now living in the house and don't want this coming back on me. To be clear - I have NO plans of selling this house unless I am forced to due to needing money, but I don't see that being an issue.
Any advice or suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
Non-Performance and Breach: Recourse for Prior Owner's Shoddy Renovations Completed Without Permits
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