A Port Moody woman said she did everything she could to hire a reputable contractor to renovate her basement.
But the project still went horribly wrong.
Moji Shoa and her husband are now out $20,000 and can’t get payment even though it’s been ordered by a judge in a small claims court decision.
“He doesn’t answer his phone,” said Shoa of the contractor.
According to the judgment, the contractor has to pay the Shoas $19,200 for the original deposit, loss of income, flood repairs and other service fees.
Problems started in 2019 when the Shoas hired a contractor to renovate the basement, including replacing the plumbing.
But one day water started flowing from the ceiling, “like it was raining,” said Shoa.
Water was pouring out from pipes, damaging drywall, electrical fixtures, computers and other materials.
The confusing array of PVC pipes was such a mess, they looked like “macaroni,” said Shoa, who believes the plumbing work was done by unqualified people who were also not supervised by the contractor.
Since then the couple has tried to get their money back through court. But the contractor has been elusive, providing expired drivers’ licence information, incorrect addresses and dubious phone numbers.
They only managed to serve him with court papers by staking out the parking lot at Rona, where he shops.
Even the original references proved to be a lie, Shoa said, because when they returned after the renovation debacle, the homeowner denied ever knowing the contractor.
In the meantime, the effort to resolve the situation and get the home repaired has taken its toll in stress, additional costs and lost work.
Shoa said she wants Tri-City residents to be extra vigilant in hiring contractors and get references of trades as well to make sure everyone is certified and the work is being done properly.
If you have problems with a contractor, contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with your complaint. The business will be flagged.
