Little River, S.C. Homeowners Face Contractor Nightmare
When Chuck and Peg Wimer decided to retire and settle down in the lovely town of Little River, South Carolina, they envisioned a simple addition to their home—a Carolina Room. What they didn’t anticipate, however, was a year-long ordeal that turned their dream renovation into a true nightmare.
High Hopes Turned Low
“I wasn’t sleeping, and I’ve lost 15 pounds over this,” Chuck Wimer expressed, reflecting on the stress that followed their decision to renovate. Referred to a contractor by a trusted friend, the Wimers skipped the usual precautions, like checking credentials or licenses, and ended up paying nearly $14,000 upfront for the renovation. “Well the red flags should’ve gone up,” Chuck admitted, “but you take the word of people you trust.”
Unfortunately, trust isn’t always enough. After handing over their hard-earned cash, all they received was a tiny slab of concrete—measuring just two feet by six feet—and a string of endless excuses. “It was excuse after excuse,” Chuck lamented, “He kept saying he would come, but he never did.”
The last sign of the contractor’s presence was in July when that minuscule section of concrete was finally laid. Sadly, communication came to a screeching halt afterward. “It was all a con job,” Chuck stated. “We kept asking for updates, but all we got were unanswered text messages and phone calls.”
Searching for Justice
Having seen no other option, the Wimers consulted a lawyer and even attempted to serve collection papers against the elusive contractor. “We know we’re screwed,” Chuck confessed, acknowledging the uphill battle ahead of them. Unfortunately, their efforts didn’t yield any promising results. “He is not certified, he has not responded,” Chuck explained. “Even taking him to small claims court could be costly without knowing where he is.”
Chuck and Peg Wimer’s experience is far from unique, especially in areas with booming development like Myrtle Beach. “It’s very common,” said Surfside Beach Attorney Jamie Morehead. “I get a couple of calls a week regarding contractor fraud.” Morehead has even dealt with cases involving six-figure sums where the contractor took the money and vanished into thin air.
Protecting Yourself from Fraud
So how can homeowners avoid falling victim to a similar fate? Morehead suggests several key strategies. First and foremost, make sure to hire a licensed contractor. “A license means they have to prove certain assets or a surety bond,” he explained. “Without a license, they don’t have to prove anything.”
Additionally, it’s crucial to create a written contract. “Having a contract reduces misunderstandings on payment and the scope of work,” he pointed out. Morehead further advises against paying in full until the job is finished and recommends looking into a contractor’s legal history before hiring someone.
“Just because a contractor has been taken to court doesn’t mean they’re a bad actor,” he clarified. “But if you see a pattern of complaints about payment and incomplete work, it’s a red flag.”
A Lesson Learned
Chuck and Peg Wimer’s story highlights the risks of hiring unlicensed contractors and emphasizes the need for caution. “It’s not fair,” Chuck remarked. “Other senior citizens like us need to be prepared and know what questions to ask to avoid being taken advantage of.”
For those looking to hire contractors, resources are available to check the credentials and past legal issues of contractors—in South Carolina, you can visit the Labor, Licensing, and Regulation website or look into the state’s Public Index for court appearances.
In the end, the Wimers hope that by sharing their experience, they can prevent others from falling into the same trap. It serves as a reminder that sometimes a little caution can save a lot of heartache.
