My Painting Contractor Ran With $5,000

by Jennifer
(Fairfax, VA)

I hired a team of house painters to repaint the interior of my house. They seemed trustworthy and offered by far the best price of anyone interviewed, so I didn’t bother to check references or verify any license documentation.

We signed a contract, I gave them a check for the 50% deposit, and they agreed to begin the next day. Then the trouble began. Instead of working, the painters would smoke outside, talk on their cell phones, or leave for hours at a time.

They told me about a “family health emergency” that they were trying to work through, and said they needed an advance on the final payment. I gave them the money, hoping that would allow them to get back to work, but it only made things worse.

After two weeks, I still didn’t have a single room completed. Threatening to fire them had no effect: They claimed I was in breech of contract. Finally, I contacted the BBB only to find out that the “company” didn’t exist. Unfortunately despite the fraud, the police would not get involved in a civil “contract dispute.” I never did get my house painted or my money back.

Advice:

1. Ask painting contractors for their license, bonding, and insurance documentation. Check with the appropriate agencies to make sure these documents are valid and up to date.

2. Check with the Better Business Bureau and other review organizations to see if any complaints have been filed.

3. Make sure that EVERYTHING is in the contract including the work to be done (don’t forget prep work like sanding, priming, and caulking), the expected completion date, standard work hours, damage provisions, and supply costs.

4. Never pay more than 50% up front. Make sure everything is completed as agreed before making the final payment.

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