Stone Soup by Jan Eliot for June 26, 2015

So, Val has been swindled?

Hope this isn’t an omen for her marriage …

Maybe Phil could get him sentenced to do ‘community work’ at her house – and some school could need his help to I guess :)

Well…this just sucks!

This is why you don’t pay them up front.

How much did you put down on a balance upon completion deal? And did you make him post a bond?

I had a father in law that I thought was smarter than that do just that. Guess who got ripped off?

Oh no!!! This is looking so bad! :(

Relax, he’ll finish the job … eventually … when he gets out. 10 years max.

Your own fault, Val. You are making some bad decisions lately. You almost lost the best thing that ever happened to you through your own fault, & who in their right mind would schedule a remodel before a wedding? Bad choices, girl! Start listening to your Mom & friends a bit more! Ignoring fact is never a good idea!

Next time, Angie’s list. Or at least do some kind of research and ask for references. But that would take time. No time to do it right, but time to do it over.

A good contractor has deals and discounts with certain vendors. In my Grandfather’s town, the local lumber mill gave him a 10% discount over the average person walking in.

I knew it! The guy was pulling a scam.

Sorry Val.

She needs Mike Holmes.

At least she didn’t pay yet. She is not dumb enough to pay until the job is done.

Wow! A contractor actually arrested for fraud? Now I know this strip is a work of fiction… fantasy even.

Golden Rule – if a contractor promises something that seems too good to be true, drop him. He only wants your money and once you hand over the money, he disappears. Another golden rule – never give money until the job is completed. If the contractor insist on being paid upfront, drop him.

Angie’s list anyone?

That’s call denial syndrom with a major D. All she is talking and thinking, is a contractor and a ill conceived project she created, instead of her wedding and one of the happiest day of her life. She should not get married and she should see a therapist pronto.

It seems to me the contractor was there working on the bathroom until he got arrested.