Anyone knows what happened to Tim Lou from express windows??
- Thread starter monekoko
- Start date
usctrojancpa
Well-known member
Unfortunately one of my clients gave Tim a $3k deposit for their shutters about a month ago. They will be going to Irvine PD and filing a police report and going to small claims court. It may be a good idea for everyone who was scammed by him to go together to the police department. I'm sure a detective will have much better luck tracking him down than anyone else. Feel free to PM me and I can pass on the contact info to my clients.
After some research here are three MUST-KNOW things you should confirm before hiring for remodeling projects.
(1) Always 10% or $1000 as contract deposit whichever is less. Never pay more. Exceptions would be kitchen cabinets & window coverings thou.
(2) Always pay the deposit with credit cards, therefore; just in case something like this happens, you can dispute the charges and get your money back. If the contractor or company doesn't accept the credit cards, that usually means the business is not quite legit and reliable. I suggest you walk away. The risk is on your own.
(3) Always make sure that the contractor/company has properly categorized California Contractor License. e.g) C15 for floor covering. Beware of contractors who do practically everything with one type of license. You won't get protected by CSLB(California State License Board) if something goes wrong. And make sure they are bonded & insured, and the most importantly Worker's Comp insurance. Without the work comp, if workers get injured in your house while working, they can technically sue you as well. You can confirm these things in www.cslb.ca.gov
(1) Always 10% or $1000 as contract deposit whichever is less. Never pay more. Exceptions would be kitchen cabinets & window coverings thou.
(2) Always pay the deposit with credit cards, therefore; just in case something like this happens, you can dispute the charges and get your money back. If the contractor or company doesn't accept the credit cards, that usually means the business is not quite legit and reliable. I suggest you walk away. The risk is on your own.
(3) Always make sure that the contractor/company has properly categorized California Contractor License. e.g) C15 for floor covering. Beware of contractors who do practically everything with one type of license. You won't get protected by CSLB(California State License Board) if something goes wrong. And make sure they are bonded & insured, and the most importantly Worker's Comp insurance. Without the work comp, if workers get injured in your house while working, they can technically sue you as well. You can confirm these things in www.cslb.ca.gov
irvineshadow
New member
He tried calling me about a month or more after I first contacted him about my windows, but by then I wasn't interested and didn't pick up. That sucks that he took off with people's money.
qwerty
Well-known member
when tim was with express blinds - would customers make the deposit check out to Tim Lou? or did he start taking people's money after he left express blinds?
also - for what it is worth, the lowest deposit i have seen on window treatments was 30%, not 10% - havent gotten an estimate from home depot yet though, not sure if they require a deposit. the credit card deposit is the best advice, charge-backs baby.
also - for what it is worth, the lowest deposit i have seen on window treatments was 30%, not 10% - havent gotten an estimate from home depot yet though, not sure if they require a deposit. the credit card deposit is the best advice, charge-backs baby.
virtualguy
New member
I'm also looking for this sleeze ball. Fortunately he did install shutters for me, but everything was completely wrong plus he took almost 3 months to do it. I order 3.5 inch he brings me 4.5. I order roll down shades also and he says he couldnt read his own writing and screwed up. He says it took along time cause his dad died. I don't mean to be insensitive but I don't give a damn about his personal life, this is a business transaction. He also caused damages to my brand new dryer and said he'll come back and fix everything and then bounced. My attorney sent him a letter and it was all bounced back. If anyone ever finds him, please PM me.
Btw, what did the police say when you made a report?
Btw, what did the police say when you made a report?
