Hurlocker Homes

I hired David Mullin as per recommendation of Michael Hurlocker who told me that D. Mullin was a licensed contractor in N.M.. Hurlocker advised me that he would all the billing and scheduling for Mullin as he was running a tight crew and sited financial difficulties. Hurlocker informed me that he was not getting paid for the job as he just needed to keep some of his crew busy but in exchange he wanted some credit at the new restaurant (amount of credit not discussed) I went over a line item proposal presented by Mullin, architectural plans in hand and architect present. I was very clear with Mullin as per the budget and informed him that we had to cut things in the budget by approximately $10,000.00 to bring it closer to $50,000.00. The initial estimate was $60,228.00 of which permits and were included (paid by me, estimate $2,500.00) Paint estimate $3,800.(painter agreed to trade) and Mullin agreed to 10,000.00 as opposed to 12,500.00 in initial estimate. This should have brought the estimate to $51,428.00. D. Mullin was pushing to start the job and we had no signed contract but he agreed to keep things in line. I agreed and pressed him that it was imperative that we keep costs in line. We began the job and I stayed ahead on the payment schedule. Two weeks into the job an issue came up as to the treatment of the ceiling, should we patch, plaster, and paint where the interior walls came down or should we take down the drop ceiling. I discussed it with David and asked him to let me know if it would less expensive to remove the drop ceiling or more expensive than he budgeted. When I came in the next day the drop ceiling had been taken down and there had been no mention of additional cost. This happened on another occasion when the crew was working on the mechanical room, as we discussed a hook-up for a washer dryer. David never mentioned anything further and a week later when I opened the door there was a W/D/ hook-up. As it turned out D.Mullin is not a licensed contractor and was using Hurlockers license. Mullin showed up on New Years Eve yelling and screaming he needed money. I had already paid $60,900.00 and told him that was it... no more !! At this time the job had been completed. A week or so later Hurlocker showed up with a bill for another approx $40,000.00 saying this was for change orders. There was never a single change presented no discussed. Included in that was $13,000.00 for Hurlocker (mgt) after he agreed that he was not going to bill for his time (1 hour total on-site). His subs now filed liens, and I've retained counsel. In addition I will be filing with C.I.D. My advice is two fold, first never trust a contractor for their word and get everything in writing !! Second, If you ever think of doing business with Hurlocker, think twice.... or more !!