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Originally Posted by BKLYNH2
You need a lawyer. 
Your in a bad predicament.
Other than that definitely try to settle with the sub contractors and make sure you get a lien waiver signed by them when you pay them. |
IMO, BKLYN's right. I would not send anything in writing to this guy until a decent lawyer with experience in contruction litigation approved it. It does not sound like this guy is going to be reasonable without considerable pressure. To whom did you make the checks? To him? Or his co.? Some possible advantages at this point of not having a contract may be that (1) you aren't subject to any arbitration requirements; (2) you are not subject to any contractual damage limitations; and (3) can go after the SOB individually. If you file a credible complaint, including fraud claims seeking punitive and/or treble damages and/or claims for incidental damages (if recoverable under WA state law) against him individually, along with his company, you might get some pretty serious leverage against him pretty quickly. It could make his insurance coverage fail to cover the claims (fraud is never covered, and he is likely not covered individually). In any event, your chances of taking this guy down or even making him become reasonable are vastly improved if you have a good lawyer going at him. It costs, but you are likely to come out ahead in the long run IMO.