Q: How do I respond to cease and desist letter and demand for payment from contractor who damaged my home during project?
I contracted a company I found on Thumbtack.com to remodel shower. Owner stated he was insured, licensed. We agreed to $1400 remodel project, I purchased over $1300 in materials for him to do job. We paid 25% up front per contract. During work, he damaged our bathtub & vanity, front door threshold, left dust everywhere. He did plumbing, but upon connecting shower fixture, caused leak. We had to pay for this. He allowed grout down drain, asked us to pay and told us he'd lower final cost. Asked for advances several times. After two weeks, tiling uneven, holes in grout, ruined floor tiling. When I found sink broken b/c of his use, I told him to stop project. I did not pay him advances nor remaining amount. I entered into dispute on Thumbtack.com and asked them for compensation for amount paid to contractor under their guarantee. I also complained about him online. He has served me with cease and desist letter. He is asking for remainder of payment due to breach of contract.
A: You have disputed the claim with Thumbtack, so there is no need for you to cease telling people about the unsatisfactory quality of the work. Thus there is no need to respond to the letter. If he files suit, and depending on the outcome of the dispute with Thumbtack, you can counterclaim for your damages.
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