Worst customers you've had? (And a Lesson for young Contractors)

[Bruce Woodruff]

Let's start some stories. I'll go first.

Customer had me doing a remodel at a house on the water (in California) inland from the ocean, everyone has a boat dock, etc. Project cost was approx $500,000. 

Comes time to finish and settle up, the guy owes $40,000+ as the last payment which cleans up all the COs and everything. He says "I'm not paying you" I say "Why, your house is beautiful , a total showcase". He says "I know and I agree, it is absolutely beautiful". I ask again "then why"? He says, "I enjoy screwing over Contractors like you."

So I put a lien on his house and get the judgement and file it. I figure I had it won right about then.

Then I get a certified letter from the Court saying that I had been counter-sued. His attorney called me and said "look Mr Woodruff, I hate this guy more than you do, but I'm advising you to drop this. Mr ______ told me that he will spend more than $40k just to screw you over because he enjoys it"

So I didn't have any extra $$ to throw at this and I did drop it. Couldn't afford to play this game, even to hire an attorney (although I did call one and was told the same).

Some people wonder why Contractors are leery of getting paid and figure they always have the 'power of the lien'. Hah, not always folks......and this was not the only time this happened......

Next?