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The short version of a long story:

I find a guy on Craig's List who comes over and gives a decent estimate for tiling my bathroom. So, I give him a $200 deposit.

A few days later after talking to folks, I find out that the 'backer board' underlay to reinforce the tile is absolutely necessary after he assured me that he's been doing it without for years and years, blah, blah...

Reluctantly preceeding with the job, I tell him to pick some up and install it anyway for piece of mind. Fine.

So, he shows up the morning of the job and tells me we have a little problem. GREAT! 'They' only gave him white tiles and no black ones for my checkered install. Obviously, this is bs and the final straw not-to-mention.

So, I say, "Look, just give me my deposit back". And we agree that he'll drop it off the next day.

It's been 1 1/2 weeks, my bathroom's done, tile was installed by Floors To Go on Glenwood ( ask for Trey, raleigh.floorstogo.com) and looks great.

I'm sure I have just cause, but for $200 it's not about the money at this point as much my time. I've done a decent job of avoiding courthouses like the plague, but am not sure about how well our court system operates regarding small claims here in Wake County.

Any similar experiences with contractors anyone?

Does he have a business license? Send him a registered letter requesting reimbursement or you'll file a complaint with the BBB.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

I have only once been to small claims as a plantive. I won and the defendant had to pay me what I was seeking plus the filing fee. It took about 15 min. in front of the judge. I assume it is still like traffic court in that you may have to wait all day for your 15 min.

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George Bright Member # 141
One of the youngest of the old farts.
Yes I voted against you joining the club.

Nope...

You can send the complaint to the BBB. I would still send him a letter threatening to sue if you don't have the check in 5 days.

I think that small claims court would be a waste of time. He owes you $200. If you win you will be owed $200 and your court costs. How much is your time worth?

To make it all even cooler, the deal is not that he will be taken away in handcuffs until he pays, or beaten with a sharp instrument until he pulls out his wallet. He will get a judgement and you will then be the collection agent, so you in effect have the same problem collecting.

BTW, you don't have to use backer board, you can put down a concrete underlayment which is the same thing, but he probably wanted to put it down on the plywood subfloor. Not good moisture wise.

Good Luck

Even worse. Vinyl laminate.

Yeah, I think I'll send a letter with a five day ultimatum.

thx Rob!

A receipt from a certified letter (saying that he got it) really works in your favor should you go through it for the principle of the matter.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

Check before you send it. You have to be careful with what you say in a letter. I don't think you can just send a letter informing him you're going to sue him.

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In need of car.

It’s been my experience, and yes, over the years I’ve been several times, always as the plaintiff, by the way, that for $200 it may not be worth the hassle. First you’ll have to file a complaint. Then he has to be served. That’s usually done by the sheriff dept, and believe me, they have a ton of papers to serve. I found that hounding them to serve was actually more trouble than going to court. Then, if he’s served, and if he shows up, and if you win, as Rob said, you’ll just be on a long list of those who’ve taken the time before you to go to court. You’ll only get your $ if he has property to sell, sells it and there’s still $ when it gets to your name on the list. Filing a complaint with the BBB only carries any weight if he’s a member, which I’m sure he probably isn’t. Discouraged yet?

I gave up even trying for small amounts, and since most of my issues revolved around people writing bad checks, I ultimately solved my problem by not taking checks.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck, and keep us posted. Oh, and by the way, the registered letter is a good start, (I’m not a lawyer, but I slept @ a blah, blah blah) saying that you would hope to be able to resolve the matter without having to resort to taking legal actions. That’s more implied, rather than expressed. However, most unsavory types just know not to go to the post office and accept the letter. Then, all you have will be the returned letter-after about a month-that you can show the judge-saying that you tried every avenue to resolve the problem. Again, good luck.

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SCCA Solo Triad Award Recipient 2014
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NCR National Driver of the Year 2012
THSCC Heel of the Year 2011
Former Club Secretary
http://www.petscompanioninn.com

Pretty much Ditto what gwen said. I would:

Send a registered Letter telling I was going to small claims court if he didn't refund money to try to scare him. If it doesn't work, count it as a $200 degree from the school of hard Knocks. NEVER do business with some one who can't produce an insurance certificate before you pay him any money. If you would have gotten this clown over he probably would have cut his thumb off in the tile saw and sued you for workers comp!

BBB is so a waste of time. Doesn't carry any weight at all!

Slam him on Craigslist.

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2002 MCS, 2003 MCS Track Rat, 2003 Generic White Yukon, 2003 BMWk1200rs, 1973 CB350F, 02 996. 08 Cayenne Turbo
http://www.clinehallagency.com

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll send him a notice for small claims court to see if it strikes a nerve. Perhaps I'll get my attorney brother-in-law to provide a nice 'warning letter' on letterhead.

As far as Craig's List, consider him slammed.