Pennsylvania Construction Legal Questions

It sounds to me like the contractor violated the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act by failing to give you a signed agreement that contains all of the provisions required by the Act. The fact that he violated HICPA probably gives you some good negotiating leverage.  One consequence of violating HICPA is that you can void the contract.  A solid letter from an attorney identifying his obligations under HICPA, where he violated the law and the consequences of those violations would probably help you get to a resolution of this matter. ... Read More

I think you're probably asking about local builing codes and zoning laws.  Local means they are all different depending on where you are.  I've never seen any such code that addresses the field of view from windows in residential housing.  This is something to take up with your builder.  Maybe you need some opaque glass.... Read More

The danger if you do that is it could possibly be turned in to the police for fraud/theft of services.  You might call your credit card company and see if they offer any dispute resolution process.  You may have certain options available to you under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.  If the work done falls under that Act or under the Door-to-Door Sales Act, your contract has to contain certain provisions.  It is not unusual for contractors to not comply with those provisions and it may give you a nifty "out" of the contract and option to demand all of your money back. Take the contract to an attorney familiar with the Act and see what remedies you have. ... Read More

Since this was a School renovation and therefore prevailing wage applied, the contruction job is very likely bonded and if you are a subcontractor you should be able to file a claim against the bond. It sound like you are a sub-subcontractor (that is you are not working for the contractor, but a subcontractor).  Different rules may apply. Also be aware that some standard contracts include a "pay when paid" clause. This means that even though you did everything you were to do, your contraoctor doesn't have to pay you until it is paid. Case specific information would be needed to be able to determine if that is applicable to your case and is enforceable. There are also statutory specfic provisions regarding Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Obligations.   All matters are dependent upon all of the facts and circumstances of each situation, and there are factors which may cause a general rule or principle set forth in any response or the information in any memoranda to differ for your situation or inquiry. The provision of a response or other information is not intended to provide legal advice or counsel to you, and is not intended for you to take or refrain from any action. This response does NOT create an Attorney-Client relationship... Read More