Thanks for all the thoughts.
I'm sorry, I can't say on here exactly where this particular job is or too many details about it. I don't think that would be wise cause this is a real project, I am not making up a scenario here. Unfortunately for me it isn't in Florida though Dan.. Florida actually is a great state to be in (as contractor) if this kind of thing were to happen to you. They have policy and law that is very favorable to the contractor in many cases.
I did try to talk to the owner though. He immediately said it's not his issue, reminded me we have no agreement between us other than the written permission he gave me to do my thing for the tenant, he suggested I go chase the tenant that hired me.
You can lien property in this area after you obtain a judgement regardless of who hired you for the improvements on the property. Legal cost makes it impractical for the 1200 though. Curious, I just discovered the county records are actually online and if I understand what I am reading, I think there are already various liens on the shopping center.. some dating back to 1989 apparently for various other projects done there. They are all for much larger amounts.
Signage... You mentioned getting a letter from the county to cover my ass? I still have the actual permits, stamped drawings, all in hand. I will keep everything. thanks.
Royster understands the way that many, many municipalities look at permits. It's not fair.. but like I said, the owner is generating some tax money for the county. And that particular outlook substantially applies in ths municipality also. It's a fact, they see me as sort of an "authorized agent", even though I drafted it, applied for it, met the inspectors, and even paid for it. However, I have gotten a verbal from the department head that he will cancel the permits and hand me back everything I submitted in this case. That's why I will be patient with this one. I guess the difference is that I see many of the folks from this particular inspection services department over and over. I have known them for many years. They all know I am a straight shooter.
JimDoggett, I didn't say it before but this guy has been a customer of ours before, 3 other locations. We have always charged for the permits when the job is done, he knows the rules. I kinda see this picture as.. this is his biggest location, the economy is now somewhat drained, his borrowing capacity is maxed out, and the banks are tightening the grip on funds anyway. So I think he is done for a while and he thinks he is done with me now. Negotiate on the permit costs? No, I admit, I didn't try that. But I don't really want to, I paid that out.. why roll over? I am not asking for extra. Just what was agreed to. I didn't leave a few bolts out of the sign structure.. I gave him all of them.
The county is closed from next Thursday until Monday. If I call him on his cell Wednesday at 530PM, you think that should be enough time to draft a check and meet me at the municipal center for donuts and coffee first thing Monday morning when they roll in?
JimJensen, Thats probably good advice.
