Contractor Installed Generator Improperly, Violated Code, And Misrepresented Credentials What Are My Options?
I’m dealing with a frustrating situation involving a licensed electrical contractor who installed a generator at my home. Initially, they seemed professional, offering a good deal and a timely installation during late fall. However, several problems have since surfaced: 1. The installation was done improperly, violating multiple safety and electrical codes: * The automatic transfer switch (ATS) was wired incorrectly with only three wires instead of the required four. * The service was wired backwards. * The ATS was oversized for the service capacity. 2. Despite repeated assurances, they failed to complete additional promised work (installing a security camera). 3. After the generator began showing error codes, I contacted them, and while they initially requested photos, they never followed up. After waiting over a week with no response, I had to hire another licensed electrician to inspect the unit. This electrician confirmed the installation was not up to code and identified safety concerns. Additionally, I discovered several troubling things about the contractor: * They claimed to have a team certified to install generators and said they had an A rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, when I looked them up, I found they were not accredited by the BBB and had a caution for improper use of the BBB name and logo. * They also don’t have an active Master Electrician license assigned to their business, which (to my understanding) is required in Texas for them to legally perform electrical work. To make matters worse, when I left a factual review on their Facebook page, they blocked me instead of addressing my concerns. Now I’m left with a generator that had to be corrected by another electrician (at my expense), and I’m concerned their improper installation may have voided the warranty with the manufacturer.
My Questions: 1. Do I have grounds to take legal action against this contractor to recover the cost of correcting their work? 2. Is there a specific board or licensing body in Texas where I can report these violations (e.g., for misrepresenting credentials or unlicensed work)? 3. Can I report the improper installation to the generator manufacturer to ensure it doesn’t void my warranty? 4. Are there specific laws or regulations (like Texas Electrical Safety or National Electrical Code standards) that I can cite in a complaint? 5. Does misrepresentation of BBB accreditation or certifications constitute grounds for further action?
This has been an incredibly frustrating experience, and I’d appreciate any advice on how to hold this contractor accountable and protect myself from further financial loss.
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