Best Home Maintenance & Construction

Jay Merritt was recommended to me by another contractor. He arrived promptly for the appt., was pleasant and seemed professional. When he gave me an estimate, I asked for it in writing and he told me he usually just did a handshake agreement. This should have been my red flag. I did insist on a written agreement. He returned with a sloppy handwritten estimate. Insurance only paid $2600 for the interior damage. The total cost was approx. $7600. I was out of pocket $5000. I gave Mr. Merritt the money up front for the materials. During the repair process, he asked for money to pay his employees, which I gave him. The work was completed in a timely manner, except for some finishing work on the ceiling inside. He told me he would return to finish that, which he never did. He left his supplies as if he were returning soon. He never finished. I called him and asked when he was going to return to finish. He told me he was finished. I reminded him about the ceiling and he told me he forgot. He had already moved on to another job, but would return to finish. He never did. About two months later, the roof started leaking again. I called Mr. Merritt to let him know. He came out and spread some sealant on the seams, but it continued to leak. I called again. He said he would return and never did. He then stopped answering my calls, nor did he return them. I had to get my husband to call from his phone. Mr. Merritt answered his call because he didn't recognize the number. I got on the phone and had a heated discussion with Mr. Merritt. He promised me he would make things right. I did not hear from Mr. Merritt for a year and a half even after numerous attempts to contact him. He finally came by to assess the problem but never returned. That was the last contact with Mr. Merritt we have had. I have tried to contact him but to no avail. Now the leaks are worse than before he attempted the repair. Totally disgusted with the experience with Mr. Merritt. Now I have no other options but to take legal action.