(WSVN) - I hired a company to install a new roof and solar panels and the nightmares began. Not one, but two nightmares when Help Me Howard calls Patrick Fraser to find out what to do when a contractor doesn't get the job done.
When you walk into Maribel's home, you might think it looks like something out of a TV show, because it does.
Maribel Medina. "I love watching HGTV. I'm an HGTV addict. I look at what they're doing and I'm like, 'Okay, I'll try,' and believe me, there are a lot of failed projects."
Maribel is humble. It usually works.
Maribel Medina. "Cutting board, yes, I did that. I did that. Oh, this is posted here."
He did it. The company he hired went bust.
Maribel Medina. "When I went ahead and signed the contract, I had absolutely no reason to think it wasn't going to happen."
Maribel contracted with a solar company to not only install the solar panels, but also put a new roof over them.
Maribel Medina. “The total value of the contract was $65,000, of which $20,360 was for roof replacement and the rest for solar.
Maribel donated $32,000 to the solar company.
The roofing company did a great job. Then the problems started when he tried to install solar panels.
Maribel Medina. "I call the office, they don't answer me. "I call his cell phone and he doesn't answer."
Months passed. Then it got worse.
Maribel Medina. "The roofing company called me to say, 'Hey, you know, we haven't paid, so we owe the roofing company $20,360.01.'
The solar company has not paid for the roof it rented. No solar panels installed.
And then Maribel discovered the truth when she talked to the owner of the company.
Maribel Medina. "He keeps telling me he had a partner who stole them and now he's in trouble."
Maribel paid $32,000. He has now lost it and owes the roofing company another $20,000.
Maribel Medina. "And I cried because I thought,
Okay, Howard, where is Maribel legally?
Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert. "Legally, it's a good place. In reality, it's a tough situation. Maribel is not responsible for the roof because she paid the solar company, and they hired a roofer, and they have to use Maribel's money to pay for it. The company solar "They paid him $12,500, but that's the truth. 'If the company shuts down, there's not much you can do.'
This was difficult. It took us six months to figure this out.
Unfortunately, neither party can talk about the decision, meaning they signed a non-disclosure agreement.
But Maribel is happy.
Maribel Medina. "Oh, sure, sure." "Now I have reason to smile."
And when you hire someone to work on your home, how can you be sure they'll be happy when the job is done?
Howard Finkelstein. "Remember, sign up and be accountable. Hire someone you've researched and had success with others. Don't pay too much up front, pay each installment only after you've completed the job. Then if they leave, you have the rest of the money to hire someone else".
Not only Maribel, but also her family feels relieved after Howard's plea for help.
Maribel Medina. “They're happy because they didn't listen to my complaints or see me stress about it, so we're all very excited.
It's nice to hear. While we ask people to pay because the work is done, many contractors will say, "I need half of that to buy materials." You say goodbye.
Falling on the ceiling trying to solve the problem? Do you think your solar system is missing a solution? We have negotiated to leave you in a sunny place.
Help me Howard, I'm Patrick Fraser, 7News.
Howard called me and helped me.
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward. 954-761-WSVN
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