Q: Am I obligated to pay?
In December I contacted a company to build me new porch steps. They said they would reach out to me at the beginning of the year for details. In February we were chatting and we discuss me paying half up front and half upon completion. After sending my address I never heard from them so I made other arrangements. They called me in May to tell me the steps are done. I told them I made other arrangements as I never heard anything from them. They want me to pay for the steps. Am I obligated to pay? I wanted to pay half up front but since I never heard anything else from, I thought they weren't going to be able to do it.
A: If you don't pay, they could sue you. Depending on the facts, you might have made an oral contract with them. But it would be difficult for them to prove the terms of the oral contract it in court. You could deny there was a contract. If they did not give you the required consumer protection notices in writing, that could be another defense you have. But they could record a mechanic's lien against your home. Use the Find a Lawyer to retain a local construction law attorney to review the situation and advise you.
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