Do I have to pay a contractor that did work, then backed out?

[debodun]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York

I needed roofing done and expected to pay out-of-pocket for a small area on one side of a dormer. The contractor came and looked, but he saw much more damage than I did. By the time he finished, the estimate came to about $10,000. he said I had better submit a claim to my insurance carrier. In the meantime, he put a patch on the most badly damaged area. Somehow in the negotiations with the insurance adjustor, something went sour and the contractor pulled out, leaving me to scramble to find another roofer that would do the job for the amount of the claim settlement. Now do I owe the first contractor for putting a patch on?

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York

I needed roofing done and expected to pay out-of-pocket for a small area on one side of a dormer. The contractor came and looked, but he saw much more damage than I did. By the time he finished, the estimate came to about $10,000. he said I had better submit a claim to my insurance carrier. In the meantime, he put a patch on the most badly damaged area. Somehow in the negotiations with the insurance adjustor, something went sour and the contractor pulled out, leaving me to scramble to find another roofer that would do the job for the amount of the claim settlement. Now do I owe the first contractor for putting a patch on?

Has the first contractor attempted to bill you? Did you sign any kind of contract with the first contractor? Its quite possible/probable that he is due some compensation for the work that he did do. However the details of why things went sour between he and the insurance adjustor might make a difference.

 

[debodun]

The way I understand from the adjustor is that after they agreed on an amount, the contractor started adding items like for extra lumber and shingle disposal fees. I did not have a written contract with the first contractor and so far, he has not contacted me about paying him, but I wanted to be prepared if he does.

 

[ecmst12]

Since he did some work, it would be reasonable for him to expect to be paid for it.

 

[latigo]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York

I needed roofing done and expected to pay out-of-pocket for a small area on one side of a dormer. The contractor came and looked, but he saw much more damage than I did. By the time he finished, the estimate came to about $10,000. he said I had better submit a claim to my insurance carrier. In the meantime, he put a patch on the most badly damaged area. Somehow in the negotiations with the insurance adjustor, something went sour and the contractor pulled out, leaving me to scramble to find another roofer that would do the job for the amount of the claim settlement. Now do I owe the first contractor for putting a patch on?

Why do you think that you wouldn't?

Don't you expect to get paid for doing what it is that you do to earn a living?