Let them. Did the contract indicate a start date? Arguably, pulling a permit is an indication the company intended to start. But what would explain the year-long delay beyond that? I think the deposit may be lost unless there is a showing of your son attempting to contact the company about... View More

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answered on May 28, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the troubles you're facing with the construction company. First, gather all your documentation, including photos, written agreements, and records of communication. This evidence will be crucial in any legal or formal complaint process.

Next, contact a local... View More

A Michigan employment attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. The best way to answer your question would be to try to arrange a free initial consult with an employment law attorney in your state. In addition to your own searches, you could use the "Find a... View More

Are you licensed? You are both wrong in your own ways. If you are not pulling permits, it's your license at stake. And if you are accepting money under the table, whose to say they haven't already paid you for the materials? You may have some legitimate ground to stand on in this case,... View More

Expert witnesses like physicians are typically compensated for their time testifying in legal proceedings by the party they are testifying for. This is true whether they testify live or by deposition. It is commonly necessary for such an expert to testify in cases involving a bodily injury to... View More

I see three remedies:

1. A construction lien. I am not going to write up all of the steps because it is somewhat complicated and we don't have enough facts to determine whether the remedy is available.

2. A lawsuit against your customer to collect the balance.

3. A... View More

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It might be difficult to find what you describe - attorneys who sue in specific counties. Most law firms don't hold themselves out for the counties or districts they sue in. Instead, they hold themselves out... View More

Did your insurance company contract with these people? First call should probably be to them. Second call should be to a local attorney who handles insurance and construction liens.

No. There are no facts tgat yiu have provided that would support the general contractor’s holding onto your equipment. I would want to know more about the situation in order to evaluate the possibility that the general contractor has a justification for its actions.

Your issue is with the construction company. Sounds like customer paid as they agreed, and they are not responsible for whatever arrangements you had going with your friend.

Next time get it in writing. Ask for time and material records to see if the records come close in value to the sub's claim.

I’m not sure exactly what they are requesting, but they can ask anything that is not illegal.

You don’t have to agree to the terms requested though.

However — and I can’t emphasize this enough — before you sign an offer to purchase you absolutely should have it reviewed... View More

The building code sets forth the minimum standard for construction. There must be something in the engineering report that causes their concern. A stamped report from structural engineer should be enough.

I would say your claim is unlikely to succeed.

Get an estimate from a reputable contractor for what needs to be done, and what it will cost to repair the shoddy work. You need that to prove your damages caused by the first contractor. Then you can sue.

As always, you get what you pay for. Be sure to talk to a qualified attorney about... View More

You've just witnessed what makes these sort of situations complicated: every insurance company is going to say someone or someone else's insurance is responsible. That said, I think a case can be made that the homeowner's insurance should be responsible.

So what happens if... View More

More information is needed to respond adequately to your question. Essentially, repair/construction work is governed by contract in Michigan. You say you have "conversations and agreement." Do you have a written contract regarding the price and work to be done? If there is no written... View More

If there is no 'certificate of compliance' for the property the tenant's obligation to pay rent can be "suspended" under the Detroit ordinance, but expect that if you do that there will be eviction proceedings and the City may well force you to move out.

Consult... View More

Generally, no, if the reason for their request is because of "blight."

However, if your current home is posing a danger to the public, then they can condemn the property. Hard to know how "siding" can pose a danger to the community.

If the lien impairs your exemption then you can motion the bankruptcy court to remove the lien.