Vetting your contractor and customer

(Page 2 of 2)

Dellahoy said that the real problem was with no boiler generating heat it took longer than usual for the joint compound used on the walls to dry, which delayed the job. He also said that due to restrictions put on him by Sternberg — he couldn’t work on Friday or Saturdays and during Hanukkah — Dellahoy said he was only allowed to be at the house about 15 days out of was planned to be a 45-day work schedule. Sternberg said she prohibited Dellahoy from working on Saturdays, but not Fridays or Hanukkah.

“She got very aggressive and said she would get a lawyer,” said Dellahoy, adding that he has been performing contracting work for more than 30 years.

Despite those years of experience, Dellahoy was unlicensed in Nassau County. He was fined $1,000 for that violation and was scheduled for another county Department of Consumer Affairs hearing on March 26.

Valley Stream-based attorney Jean Kestel, who was representing Dellahoy, confirmed that her client failed to obtain a county contractor’s license. But said Dellahoy did much of the work he was hired to do. “He had a list of the supplies he purchased,” Kestel said. “Supplies weren’t always available. He wasn’t overbilling them.”

Another contractor is completing the work at Sternberg’s home. Dellahoy offered to return $6,000. But Sternberg said that wasn’t enough. She said she initiated a lawsuit against Dellahoy. He returned home and has yet to be served.

Page 2 / 2