Useless plumbing contractor

[Andrew Leighton]

Does anyone have any suggestions? About 18 days ago I hired a plumber in the El Paso area (Chavez &sons plumbing) to do a job they said would take no more than 5 days. They asked for 50% up front and the rest when inspections have passed. Since they have only completed about 50% of the work and show up when ever they feel like it. They did leave a jack hammer which I am now using as collateral. Can I get my deposit back and hire someone else? Should I try to take them to court? I’m losing money by not going to work because I don’t trust them here alone and the utilities are still running so I need to pay for those too...

[Roland Widmann]

Fire them and immediately get somebody else out there before the holding costs eat you alive. Getting your deposit back will be next to impossible. You said you paid 50% and they completed 50%.... even if you could win that argument, I guarantee the money is long gone. Ask other local investors for a good reliable guy- most are more than willing to share resources. I've also had decent luck finding guys on thumbtack.com ; worst guys I ever hired came from Craigslist ads, so be warned.