If the dollar amount is small enough that it can be held in small claims,
it's probably not worth the bother. Even getting a judgment in your favor,
doesn't put a dime in your pocket. Truly sleazy contractors have their
assets and yours in places that can't be touched. At least in standard
court, he would have to hire a lawyer to represent him. That's gonna cost
him, and I believe is his best chance of forcing a settlement



"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
news
"RBM" wrote in message
...
These situations are rarely completely one sided. I would compile a list
of all the failings of the contractor, have a competent attorney send him
the list in a letter seeking a fair settlement, and hope one can be
reached and you get something back. The alternative is to go to court,
which at best takes the money from the contractor and gives it to your
attorney.



If he goes to small claims court, he doesn't need an attorney. If he's in
NY, there's a good chance the town justice won't have any legal training,
so he'll be on equal footing.