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Questions Answered by Paige Kurtz
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Construction Law and Small Claims for North Carolina on
Q: Can I sue my GC for damages?

I hired a GC in August (with a written contract) that had an estimated timeline of 6 weeks to completion. It went well in the beginning, but he began to demand advances, which we naively provided via credit card. He continued to demand advances, threatening to walk if we didn't pay, while... View More

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Feb 19, 2020

Yes, your damages are any monies paid to the contractor for work not performed. Also, the difference between the costs you were paying this contractor and the costs to fix and/or replace.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for North Carolina on
Q: Who pays for repairs for something not up to NC Code?

In building our home, we asked for some enhancements that our contractor turned down because they wouldn't pass NC Code. One enhancement we asked and paid for, he did build. He built this without telling us it wasn't up to NC Code. Who is responsible for the repair to bring the item up to code?

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Jan 27, 2020

The contractor is responsible for any work performed by them and is also responsible for constructing in a manner that is in compliance with the North Carolina Building Code.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for North Carolina on
Q: We were hired at closing to repair a shower pan put up insulation and a moisture barrier homeowner will not pay a penny

For work completed she claims it’s not right however we have tried to make things right and make her happy she won’t let us on property she says we needed a license and permits which is false what grounds do we have to get paid for work completed

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Jan 3, 2020

Depending on how much you are owed, you could pursue the matter in small claims court. The maximum allowed is $10,000. Also, contractors that have provided materials and labor to property may have lien rights against the real property.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for North Carolina on
Q: Do electrical and pluming subcontractors working under a general contractor require to be licensed?

As I understand it, general contractors in NC are not required to be licensed for construction contracts under $30,000. Does that apply for any subcontractors the general contractor may hire to complete the overall construction contract / project?

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Dec 30, 2019

Any subcontractors hired by the general contractor should be performing work included in the scope of the general contractor's contract. Thus, the general contractor's contract would have to exceed $30,000 if the sub's contract exceeds $30,000.00. Subcontractors work under the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: If there is a judgement against me and a creditor places a lien on my property, can they force me to sell?

After a very lengthy unemployment following a layoff, I fell behind with a Bank of America credit card. They keep assigning it out to different collection agencies - it's on the third or fourth now. The debt is now two years old but they are still attempting to collect and being almost $29,000... View More

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Sep 24, 2019

Any property that is in your name can be seized by the sheriff and sold to satisfy the judgment. This is not a private sale, but an auction. There are many steps that have to be completed before the creditor gets to this point and you may have exemptions available to you that might protect the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for North Carolina on
Q: How much of a warranty do home builders have to provide on newly constructed homes?

We purchased a home that was completed in Mar 2018 in January 2019. Although it is a new home, we are the second owners. So we purchased it from the original owner and not the construction company. Because of this, we were told they would not extend the 1 year builders warranty to us, and it... View More

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Aug 19, 2019

It will depend on the original contract between the homeowner and the builder as to what warranties exist. Any issues that arise that are a result of faulty construction could potentially be brought against the builder within six years of the original work. Your contractor is probably thinking of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: I am a co leesee on an automobile. Do I have any rights? I'm in North Carolina
Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Aug 15, 2019

As a co lessee you have all the the same rights as the other lessee.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: How do I sue for unpaid wages

Subcontracted for company. They haven't paid full amounts and are claiming that they don't owe me for other jobs

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Mar 8, 2019

At this point, you should consult with an attorney for your options in pursuing the balances that you claim are due to you. An attorney will need more detail and will need to review any documentation that you have.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: With Lien notice, how much time before sale of home in NC?

Lien placed on home.

20 days and property exempt form submitted.

Will sheriff give notice and how soon can sale take place in N.C.?

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Oct 11, 2018

The creditor will have to have a Writ of Execution issued. Then the sheriff will have the authority to seize the house to satisfy the judgment. The timing depends on how soon the clerk can issue the writ and how fast the creditor gets it into the hands of the sheriff. The creditor may also object... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: Wondering if I have the right to withhold rent for each day that my air conditioner has stopped working with pets home?
Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Oct 3, 2018

No, you may not withhold rent in North Carolina. You will need to follow the terms of the lease in giving the landlord proper notice of the issue. If it is not resolved, you can sue the landlord for not complying with the lease and/or North Carolina Statutes.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: Is it illegal to withhold rent in the state of North Carolina If a landlord is not fixing the unit that is unlivable
Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Sep 20, 2018

You may not withhold rent. If the landlord is not complying with the law, you will need to file suit against the landlord to enforce the obligations that the landlord has under the law to provide a unit that is livable.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: i have a short (1.5 page) contract with a GC, time and materials. No cancelation terms in contract- can we terminate?

we are paid in full but GC still has $2000 deposit we want to get back.

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Aug 29, 2018

If the contract has not been fully performed and the contractor is in default, it is possible to terminate the contract with the appropriate notice (if required by the contract). Not sure I understand how the deposit works or why it would come back to you, but would need additional information to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: can a contractor keep my deposit for not doing any work.

To make a long story short did a contract and gave contractor 1,000 to get on the books. He gave me excuses on why he hasn’t started in 4 months for a addition on my house. I ask for my deposit back and sent me an email giving me excuses why not started and he said would give it back and would be... View More

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Aug 29, 2018

Yes, you should proceed with your small claims case. The contractor would only be allowed to retain monies for work actually performed and based on the reasonable value of the services. Its fairly unlikely that the pictures would be valued at your deposit. Be prepared to present your case to the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I had an unsecured credit card. lost my job and missed 4 payments. they sold it to a collection agent. I am now on mili

disability. now a new collection co. sent me a letter saying they were taking me to court. can they and whats my opp

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Aug 14, 2018

If the debt has not been paid, the credit company or whomever owns the debt can file legal action against you to collect the debt. If that occurs, you should consult with an attorney to discuss your options.

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: my mother is the borrower and I'm the co signer of a car loan, then car was repossessed. Can they come for both of u
Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Jul 27, 2018

Yes, anyone that signed the contract to be responsible for the car loan can be pursued for the balance due.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Employment Law and Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: Non Compete Agreements are they enforcable in NC

Competitor want to hire me at a 12% increase in salary. Company I work for now will not match. We service some of the same customers but in differant capacities. Is the non compete enforcable?

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Jul 23, 2018

Yes, non-competes are generally enforceable in North Carolina. However, there are certain requirements and it is also a fact-specific analysis. You should certainly have an attorney review the non-compete before taking any action.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: I'm a licensed General Contractor and a designer wanted me to go into business with him and i did not go into business

With him. I contracted a job from a restaurant owner that he worked for the engineering firm. I've completed the job and now hes saying we had a verbal agreement that he get 20 percent, which is untruthful. Do i have to pay him anything without a signed contract

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Jun 1, 2018

Contracts can be in writing (some are required to be in writing) or oral. Oral contracts are valid. So, its really a question of whether you agreed to pay the 20%. If not, then you don't have to pay it, but that doesn't mean that person won't pursue you to collect the amount.

2 Answers | Asked in Construction Law for North Carolina on
Q: Our builder walked off the job leaving us with thousands of dollars work that needs to be corrected.

We bought our lot from Mr. xxxx last year and he offered to build our home for us. He showed us several homes in the neighborhood and in the Hendersonville area that he built. Because of this we assumed he was a licensed contractor. All of our dealings with him, from when we first contacted him... View More

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on May 30, 2018

You should absolutely consult with an attorney as this is a breach of contract by the general contractor. It sounds as if there may also be issues with the contractor's licensing and you may need to address that as well. Locate an attorney that handles construction law issues and get some... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: Company wants me to sign a non compete. Can they hold this against me if i never start with them?

Start date June 18, 2018. Wants non compete signed now eventhough I do not start till June 18, 2018. If i decide last minute not to start with them can they hold this against me.

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on May 29, 2018

In order for a non-compete to be valid, there must be some consideration. Usually, the consideration is in conjunction with the employment itself. Unless they provided you with some consideration other than the employment, it would not be valid.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: No contract with employer can he block me from doing business with a company after I leave his company?

I'm about to get my electrical license and want to do business with the same company as my present employer

Paige Kurtz
Paige Kurtz
answered on Apr 25, 2018

Non-compete clauses are valid in North Carolina. However, they must be in writing and have other requirements. If you don't have a written non-compete clause, then there is no prohibition against competition.

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