How do I put a judgement on a house that I have done work on but the builder is out of business.?

Question

We put windows in the home before it was purchased buy the home owner and now the contractor will not pay us the balance. What is my next step? Already filed with the Registar of Contractors.

Answer 1

I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, however the only state I know of where the subcontractor can put a lien on a home for which they did work on, is Florida. You would really need to do some research on your state's statutes as to your legal rights. Perhaps if you responded with the state you live in, someone may be able to be more specific.

I believe your only recourse would be small claims court against the builder. If you get a judgment, then there are several remedies for getting paid, for example attaching their bank account or putting a lien on the builder's personal property.

Answer 2

I am a plumber subbie in NZ . I have ben burned this way myself. I don,t like saying this because it really rips my guts but I don't like your chances of getting anything.

I Check out all builders before i do work for them. I find out who the other subbies are. One bad word I won,t work for them.

Since i took this attitude I have not been burnt in the last 6 years by builders.

Man, i really feel for you.

Answer 3

In California, subcontractors can put a mechanics lien on the property, BUT they have to do it before the property changes hands.  Once someone other than the owner at the time the work was done takes title, the sub can't do anything to the new owner.  

Best bet is to take the contractor to court, small claims if it's close to or under the limit for small claims and present your case to the judge.  Of course, then you have to somehow collect, although usually the Sheriff's Office can do that for a fee, which can be added to the judgment.  Another thing is to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau where his office is located, and the credit reporting agencies, especially once you have a judgment against him.  That would pretty much make it impossible for him to get credit from his suppliers.