Troubleshooter: Contractor follow-up | ABC11 Raleigh-Durham

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By ABC11

Thursday, November 26, 2009

RALEIGH

Now after our story on Evans' plight earlier this month, her dream of hosting her family for a traditional Thanksgiving meal will be a reality.

Click here to read our original story

Crews have worked day and night, rain or shine to finish the job.

"Excited, I'm really, really excited," Evans told ABC11 Eyewitness News.

But getting the work finished is no thanks to the unlicensed contractor she originally hired: Jeff Smith of Dimensional Designs.

"Jeff shook my faith in people a little bit, but I'm glad able to bounce back and people stepped in and pitch in all over the people and it's wonderful to know there's still really good people out there," said Evans.

Evans' saga started in August. That's when she hired Smith to put on a $32,000 addition to her home. While work started, it didn't get too far.

"$18,248.00 is what he got out of us and as you can see since that time, nothing else has occurred. No activity, I sent him numerous emails, and phone calls don't do any good because he just doesn't return our calls. This was my dream, he stole a dream from me," she said.

Once we got involved, there was no sign of Smith, but crews started showing up at Evans' house. The workers said Smith sent them, but claim they had no idea the problems Evans had with Smith, and Smith said he'd pay them once they finished the job. Chris Biddix is one of those workers.

"She told me this was her dream and I wanted to make her dream come true," he said.

Biddix, along with others, are working hard.

"We've been working in cold weather, rain, trying to get it done," he said. "Trying to put a smile on her face."

And a smile Shelia has. She watched as the roof was added, then the siding and window. And then within days, the addition is complete with electrical, even heating and air.

"We're going to have Thanksgiving here at my house, traditional, the way it's been so we won't have to do without that this year," said Evans.

So the tradition continues, and now Shelia has even more room to host her family and enjoy the holiday.

"Very thankful for you and ABC11," she said.

Since our original story aired, Biddix says he hasn't heard from Smith, despite trying to call him.

Evans is paying Biddix to finish the job, but she's still out thousands of dollars that Smith took for materials. Plus, Evans says the original subcontractors on the job are still looking for payment, as they tell her Smith hasn't paid them.