HELP! I have a big problem!

miamimike says on Aug 15, 2007, 14:19:

Since you have NO contract, I doubt legally he could do anything to you; its his word against yours. Now, what could he do to you or your house as Revenge is another thing,,,,I would attempt to settle it amicably. I am sure GIB or Gator will advise you well as to your best course of action,,,

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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Frank Rizzo says on Aug 15, 2007, 14:28:

If what you're saying is true....Don't pay him. Take pics of the shoddy work, pay an engineer or archetect 50-90k cop to come in and write on their letterhead that the work was shoddy, etc... and that the work will probably have to be re-done.

Don't give him a copy of the letter...only tell hin you have the letter and tell him to F$$$ off... and please remit payment to you so that you can pay another worker to come in and correct his mistakes per the archetect letter.....ya.

Make sure the person you call in is a registered archetect or engineer so you have this opinion on some official letterhead.

There will be no legal action on his part, i guarantee it.

Can you tell i've been through this in colombia?? LOL...

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spigrimace says on Aug 15, 2007, 14:33:

Did he sign something saying he received the money that you did pay him?

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scotty says on Aug 15, 2007, 14:48:

You had no written agreement? always get it in writing.

dont pay him anything.

he wont take you to court he is bluffing.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 15, 2007, 14:56:

happy camper says on Aug 15, 2007, 16:35:

Isn't this what attorneys are for?

I have found that most working class people in Colombia are easily intimidated by an attorney.

If his demeanor is threatening call the police. I don't think these folks want the cops looking at them. That way if he decides on some violent retalitory action you have it on record.

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robi666 (Trustee board) says on Aug 15, 2007, 16:44:

Always be kind to him. Ask him to go together to the police to solve the situation. He'll explain his reason, you'll explain yours in front of an officer. But I don't think that he wants to go there...

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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gringoloid (Trustee board) says on Aug 15, 2007, 17:10:

codazzi.....i don't want to pick a fight with you, but GIB is speaking metaphorically.

I have seen him in action more than once, and believe me, he can handle himself.

He's really saying that if you stand up to a colombian punk or bully that is trying to strong arm you for some money, they'll back down.

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webmanco says on Aug 15, 2007, 17:11:

Don´t you guys always believe that because you are a foreigner people want to take advantage of you, it does not work that way.
Same thing happened to me on a big computer library on my studio, the guy was given about 75% of what was offered on the deal, once the guy installed the furniture I told him I was not satisfied with his job and that the money already paid was enough for his job. His replay was, Mr. XXX "put your hand in your heart and think it twice."

(I am not blond and speak nothing but spanish)

Alwasy try not to give you landline number to everyone. Threats come and go but people think twice before dialing to a celular number.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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gringoloid (Trustee board) says on Aug 15, 2007, 17:42:

codazzi, I'm not disagreeing with you or contradicting you in any way.

I don't need to read GIBs posts, he is a very good personal friend of mine, and I can tell you, everything he says he can back up; and has backed up.

I don't know about 10 life times, but there is no one on this website that knows and understands the 'real' colombia like he does.

if you knew him personally, he would come and help you if you needed it, as he's a very nice guy. he can get on the phone, and call the 'right' person, and straighten out some wierd colombia problem in no time. he's done it for me, believe me, about 3 times.

i don't really want to discuss this as i'm not sure you can talk about people here under the new rules.

i'm just adding a friendly comment, no offense.

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spigrimace says on Aug 15, 2007, 18:39:

Next time, when you pay someone, have a "recibo de caja menor", "comprobante de egresso" or a write up a memo type reciept, and write exactly what the work was, the guarantee is, if any, and finalze with something like "con mi firma en este documento, dejo constancia que recibi el pago de "insert what hes getting paid for" such as "la obra de mano y todos materiales" que tengo derecho por el tiempo que laboré y declaro que "TU NOMBRE", se encuentra a Paz y Salvo conmigo por todos conceptos por tal razón renuncio a cualquier reclamo posterior a éste.
I go one step further and make them giver me a fingerprint by their signature from the right index finger

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wendell13 says on Aug 15, 2007, 19:57:

codazzi.....you can be anything you want on internet boards...fake fotos, fake hometowns, fake experiences. There are even people that have a couple of names and talk with themselves here. Who woulda thunk it?

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Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 15, 2007, 20:12:

codazzi.,..that videoooo......tooooo FKN FUNNY!!!!!!

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Frank Rizzo says on Aug 15, 2007, 20:16:

If you're continuing to get work done and entering into new agreements it's not realistic to go to the notaria all the time. What spigriamace says would be good, i think we'll actually write something up like hes' saying and photocopy it 100 times...then fill in the work that they are to do and have them sign at the bottom....I like that.

Colombia is not so different than the US. From what I see common law seems to rule there....and you pretty much have to really spell out what you want.

I'm no professional contractor, but we''ve started doing things a bit different. We ask people to bid a job. THen if the price is reasonable, we ask them for a price to come and do 1 day work. We let them know that that 1 day work will determine if they get the other work. Then we watch them like a hawk for the 1 day. At then end of the day we pay them and then decide if we want to engage in a contract with them.

This has really helped us weed out workers that are poor performers.

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vicshere says on Aug 15, 2007, 20:28:

Frank ...you will have to watch them like a hawk throughout the whole building process...as soon as your turn you head you will get sloppy work and the worst is they will build over it and hide it and come back to haunt you down the road....back home you could usually get a contractor and through word of mouth know that he/she will provide the service they quoted for...if you don't know the difference from a # 14 gauge copper wire to # 10 gauge wire... you will have your work cut out for you....I agree with spig...get a good written receipt for everything...before you start get them to sign a quotation which states what exactly they will do and described almost down to how many nails they will use...and don't pay anyone in advance....as for material you pay for the materials when they are inside the property and off the truck and not a second before ...if they cant accept that find another contractor

listo

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gringoloid (Trustee board) says on Aug 15, 2007, 20:55:

M_C, how long have you known GIB, in the flesh, anyway? Have you ever even met him?

if it is 0.0 time, than you're making judgements about people you never even met.

what i've learned here, is that every single pbher is much nicer of a person, in person, than the way they write.

I'll bet I'd even have a higher opinion of you; and you've made some disparaging remark about everything I've ever written.

Back in the 80's, I left new york city for rural tennessee to help my elderly parents with their house for 6 months. Now these hillbilly jackasses in this town, were doing their lol and challenging me on my statements about people that I worked with in the entertainment business in NY. they just plain didn't believe me that I worked with people that they see in the movies and tv. In Los Angeles, it wouldn't even raise an eyebrow.

I'm not saying its independent testimony; GIB has helped me with some problems that I never faced back in the states, even after 17 years in NYC. I mean about 3 very, very ugly situations.

pow wow had some imaginary thoughts, possibly;

but GIB has been on the money; and he doesn't even tell you anymore all the shit that goes on around here in Bogota.

it could be just misunderstood emails; just like the people in rural tennessee.

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Man Tequila says on Aug 15, 2007, 21:07:

So what does that prove? That he didn't buy an arepa oven from that guy?

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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gringoloid (Trustee board) says on Aug 16, 2007, 09:40:

M_C, you have a major contradiction here:

>> never met Adolf Hitler, Jeffery Dahmer, Charles Manson either.....i dont need to meet people to confirm what i think about them from their posts and what they convey in their opinions....as well as their actions......

>>>and based on 3 situations, you feel qualified to speak of anothers credibility and authenticity of posted events during their lifetime? seems rather limited in its foundation, dont you think?

You claim that you can discern the veracity and character of peoples comments right from their emails, without ever having met them. You say you don't need to meet anyone to know about their character.

But then you turn around and say I'm basing my decision on the three times that he has come to help me. Don't you think I'm capable of judging people the same as you?

I don't have to be with someone 24 hours a day, their whole lives to tell what they know.

I've picked up on your bio a little in the past year and I've gone a lot further in life than you have in terms of education, work status, and travel. So come off your high horse.

No wonder your're highly 'ignored' here; GIB is not. I wonder why.

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chrispej says on Aug 16, 2007, 21:47:

Yeah, GIB....

The longest 2X4 and ......... That's the ticket. You're a true Colombian based on my experience here....

Yeah... you know the deal.....

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Aug 17, 2007, 10:05:

Keep on talking about the shoddy work carpenters do in Colombia and if they should/should not get paid.

Some people ought to use our wonderful ignore.function.

I'll let this thread run a while longer if you guys can keep it civil.¨

Oh, I forgot; BESITOS!

Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 17, 2007, 10:24:

nice selective use of the edit function, Desi...guess i will have to respond to Hroid questions and comments........

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Aug 17, 2007, 10:35:

Miguel...what can I say... except...BESITOS!

Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Aug 17, 2007, 10:39:

Talking about carpenter in Colombia; I had a carpenter make new kitchen cabinets for me last time I was in Cali. He was on contract, a little delayed (said he had been sick), but the work got done and I thought it was excellent quality. Nothing fancy though, like poco's kitchen with inlays of different color woods and stuff, just solid, ordinary wooden doors and drawers.

Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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Frank Rizzo says on Aug 17, 2007, 11:42:

Hi Desi, we're doing the kitchen now in cali... we definately need to trade workers sometime. We got 2500 inches of granadillo cut for the kitchen...it just came out of the oven after 18 days and they are cutting it now. This guy we found had done some great work, we'll see how this comes out.

We're doing it in full overlay so all the doors touch and you don't see the fronts of the cabinets only the doors and drawers. i've got my fingers crossed as you konw how expensive kitchens are, (sweating bullets here).jajajajaja

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Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 17, 2007, 11:45:

Hroid....i posted a reply to your above questions..but the ModSquad deleted it....i can send it to you if you care to read it.....it had something to do with only being a sex tourist in Colombia and how CdA had your number....besos!

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Aug 17, 2007, 12:12:

Frank Rizzo, there doesn't seem to be any lack of skillful carpenters in Colombia. I was recommended at least three or four, within a week, by satisfied customers. You're remodeling or building on a much larger budget than I, but it's good to know and have a pool of reliable workers who don't steal you blind. Right now I'm doing some minor repairs that the Inmobiliaria's people are taking care. For anything over a million pesos it's better to bring in your own people. I'm having some trouble because the repair people the Inmobiliaria is using are takin advantage of the fact that I live on the other side of the globe so I have to send my people to take a look at the repair needs and then decide who gets the job.

Cheers,
Desi

Fugdis, did the guys ever finish the job at your house?

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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Frank Rizzo says on Aug 17, 2007, 16:08:

Desi, let me know if i can be of any help. I've sent down a US contractor who's overseeing it all now. He's swamped, but if you need someone to go over and reall get to the bottom of it, i've got some people. We've got the Skype and high speed internet at the house so they can send you pics and talk to you if you need. Let me know.

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MaSep says on Aug 18, 2007, 19:28:

That happened to me aswell in my job!! hire a lawyer and sue him for arrasement, I´m an architect in here...

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