Legal Question in Consumer Law in District of Columbia
subcontractor wants money from me, not my contractor
the story goes like this:
a new friend works for a company that basically renovates houses after fire damage. They are a huge company. Friend learns that I am renovating my kitchen, and have a baby on the way and offers to help my husband with the project. he spends a few days, says he is haing fun and in gets away from the grind. he supplied lots of materials, stated that they were going to be thrown away. he then sends a subcontractor to do the electrical and plumbing. We asked how much it would cost, he stated it would be free...an early baby gift, and subcontractor owed him a favor anyway.
received a call today from subcontractor...they want their $5700.00, because friends company won't pay. they want to put lean on our house?
Are we in any way liable?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: subcontractor wants money from me, not my contractor
If someone is threatening to put a mechanic's lien on your home, you need to get an attorney, immediately.
In some cases, a subcontractor can legally put a binding mechanic's lien on your home.
Apparently, your "friend" promised to pay the sub, but did not. The sub never agreed to do the work for free. There may be a way out of this, but it sounds like a pickle. Consult an attorney.
Re: subcontractor wants money from me, not my contractor
Your friend apparently was without valid legal authority to authorize the subcontractor's work and to bind his company for the cost of the subcontractor's labor and materials. Why don't you ask him how he intends to pay for what was suppose to be free to you?
In the meantime I would suggest that you had best remove your rose-colored lenses and make arrangements to pay the bill.(Perhaps, a settlement could be worked out for you to pay a lesser amount.)
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