DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hired a “handyman” to paint my deck. I’ll admit that when he did it in the fall, it looked beautiful. But after a winter, you should see it — white blotches all over, like he used water colors.

He used stain instead of deck and porch paint. You cannot use stain over paint, but you can use paint over stain, I’ve been told.

I couldn’t get any action out of him, so I took him to small claims court. In my statement, I asked for my money back, so I could hire somebody to do it right. The judge didn’t see it my way and asked the handyman if he would redo the deck. He said yes, but it’s not what I wanted. 

This spring, after the rains, I mailed him a certified letter, asking when he would redo the deck; no answer. Two weeks later, I called his cellphone number and asked again when he would redo the deck; no reply.

I went back to the small claims court to see if I could take him back to court. I was told no because of the way the judge handled the paperwork. It’s the judge’s fault I didn’t get my money back.

This man lied in court about removing mildew. I have pictures to prove it. I cleaned it myself. He lied again.

I’m losing $487 plus the cost for court and for the sheriff to deliver the papers. 

I want to warn the seniors out there who are retired and on a fixed income like myself to be very careful about who they hire to do whatever. Money comes too hard for us to be taken. I don’t want it to happen to anyone else.

I thank you, even though I will be surprised to see my letter in print. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Surprise! Here’s your letter in print, along with a few questions and suggestions.

Sun Spots is a bit confused. You took him to court for the poor painting of your deck, but then you mentioned mildew. Was that part of the job?

As for the judge, he may have been well-meaning. Winning a judgment against someone is one thing; getting the money is another. They rarely hand you the cash as you are leaving court. Many people win in court only to never see the money (Sun Spots included).

If the person is self-employed, you can’t garnish their wages, so how do you collect? If you have their bank name and account number, you can try to get it that way, but Sun Spots has found that people who rip you off have learned to protect themselves. And they never seem to have any money when you ask for it.

Sun Spots understands why you can’t take him back to court. You have already won, but she is not sure why you have no recourse in getting him to do the work.

Unfortunately, attorneys will not answer questions for the column, although there is one who has offered a response when legal questions are asked. Perhaps she will respond this time. Or perhaps a reader will have a suggestion. 

You might also want to contact the Consumer Protection Service of the Maine Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-436-2131 (9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday), consumer.mediation@maine.gov, Attorney General’s Consumer Division, 6 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. Maybe they can offer some assistance.

Meanwhile, if she were you, Sun Spots would inundate that handyman with calls and letters, being a real pain in the neck until he does the work just so you will leave him alone.

Lastly, Sun Spots must point out that it is not only seniors who cannot afford to lose more than $500. For many people Sun Spots knows, that is at least a week’s wages. Everyone should be careful when hiring someone.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com

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