find the original installer did a crappy job, but the state will not provide any support in seeking restitution from the original installer.

Maybe if the install was unsafe or not to code, but in general, the state should not be involved with a contract dispute between two private parties. References, good contracts, bonds, independent design/contract/final review - those are the solutions. Without help, an inexperienced homeowner is unlikely to fare well when contracting with people who know the business and do it every day.

Posted By jonr on 17 Dec 2011 09:48 AM

find the original installer did a crappy job, but the state will not provide any support in seeking restitution from the original installer.

Maybe if the install was unsafe or not to code, but in general, the state should not be involved with a contract dispute between two private parties. References, good contracts, bonds, independent design/contract/final review - those are the solutions. Without help, an inexperienced homeowner is unlikely to fare well when contracting with people who know the business and do it every day.

My nephew was talking about a contractor bonding program the state oversees. Contractors are required by law to be bonded, but when there is a poor workmanship problem involved no one will come to the aid of the homeowner to pursue a claim against the contractor or bonding agent. The bonding requirement is a toothless program as it is administered.

the state oversees... a toothless program

Yes, the state should stay out of such things.