Homeowner Facing Fines After Contractor Abandons Job

Construction projects can cost a lot of money. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of paying for work upfront. They think this approach will help them get their project done quickly. In some cases, though, the contractors take off with the money, never returning to start the job.

This is an issue that a Florida homeowner is facing. The Orlando woman paid a contractor to put in a pool in her backyard. Three years later, all that is there is a huge hole with rainwater and mosquitoes.

In January 2023, the woman paid the contractor $45,000 for a job that would cost $52,000 total. The man, who owns Cat 5 Home Center and Cat 5 Prefab Homes, never finished the job. The woman now has a dangerous backyard, one that she considers so unsafe that she will not let her kids play anywhere near the hole.

The contractor has been charged with a misdemeanor in Volusia County for engaging in contracting without certification. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation investigated the situation, alleging unlicensed contracting activity.

The woman’s case is not unique. That same contractor was paid $40,000 for an accessory dwelling unit in Deltona. That project is also not finished. Another homeowner in Orange County paid for an accessory dwelling unit that was never built.

The Orlando woman who wanted a pool is learning a hard lesson about contractors who collect money and abandon projects. But she is also facing a bigger financial mess because of the condition of her property. Fencing must be put back up and gates need to be replaced. There is also debris in the yard from construction, including many yards of piping.

The woman is now facing fines, and the county has put a lien on her property until she pays those fines. She has received citations for her “swimming pool” not being maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. She currently owes more than $108,000 in code enforcement fines.

The woman is searching for a new contractor to pull permits to finish the job. The county understands the woman’s situation and will work with her to reduce fines once the property is compliant.

The woman hopes to resolve the code enforcement case by the end of the year. As for the money she has already spent? She believes she is owed a full refund but realistically, she does not think she will ever see the money again.

Contact Us Today

Construction projects can sometimes experience delays, lack of payment, and other issues. When these issues occur, you need someone on your side to help you take legal action.

Get the help you need from a Bradenton construction litigation lawyer from Cahall Law Firm. We tailor our approach to fit your goals, which could mean negotiating a resolution or pursuing action in court. Call (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation with our office today.

Source:

wesh.com/article/construction-job-florida-homeowner-code-violations/69558468