renovation finished, now they asked for more money. now what?

[Anonymous]

remodeling was about 5 months late and now finally come to finish. Of course the contractor asked for the last payment, but now they are asking more money. They stated that they had to pull more people to get the job done, because the assigned crews were unable to get a hold of. We never signed anything nor informed we will have to pay extra and they stated at the middle of the remodeling that they will take care of it verbally. (all scope of works were completed per the contract, no obivious additional works were done)

Now again, they demanded more money and stated if we fail to pay, they will file a mechanic lien on us and other legal stuffs.

So, we seeked legal advised and been told that they can't do that and if they want to be hustle, we can go to small claim court in DC and sue them for the 5 months delay on completion. (Property was planned to be rent or for sale)

Any experts here and inputs would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Seems like you've already received an answer but I would get a second opinion. If there were no additional documents signed regarding the new crew or any new scope of work, then they have no basis to sue. What would be their evidence. Who was the company? How did you find them? Did you get feedback from their references? There may be a pattern here. Some hw would go a long way.

[Anonymous]

Do not pay until they finish all of the work to your satisfaction, and then only pay the agreed upon amount. It sounds like they are making empty threats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems like you've already received an answer but I would get a second opinion. If there were no additional documents signed regarding the new crew or any new scope of work, then they have no basis to sue. What would be their evidence. Who was the company? How did you find them? Did you get feedback from their references? There may be a pattern here. Some hw would go a long way.

Did a search before hire them, there no indication or bad or good. We hired them based on they offer pretty reasonable price and have license. Once everything is taken care of, I will release the name so others can be warned

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not pay until they finish all of the work to your satisfaction, and then only pay the agreed upon amount. It sounds like they are making empty threats.

Well, works are done. Satisfaction, no but whatever.

I guess if he refused to accept the last payment, I will just certified mail the check to him and call it a day.

He's got the final inspection paper work and need to sign off the contract that is been fully paid, but I guess if he refused tower in person to take the final payment, but at least I documented. And the final inspection paper is essential to me.

Again, if he start filing liens, we will counter suing him for delay causing us lost lots of money

[Anonymous]

You can definitely sue the contractor

[Anonymous]

How can he file a lien against you without proof that you agreed to pay additional money but failed to pay it? Unless you signed something, which you say you didn't, you have the contract plus cancelled checks to show you paid, right?