Next month I will be representing myself in small claims court (called Warrant in Debt in Virginia). I am suing a contractor who installed tile in my bedroom suite. The tile began popping up and coming loose within a month of installation.

My question is pretty basic: Do I present my documentation (receipts, contract, emails, etc) to the court ahead of time or during the court proceedings?

Thanks

You present them during the court proceedings.

It would be a very good idea if you could have another tile installer come in and give you a written estimate for repair. Take this to court with you. You want to make sure that you are reimbursed for not only what you've already spent, but also what you'll need to spend in the future to have everything fixed.

During, please have evidence where you asked them to fix it.
Also estimate from another contractor as to how much to fix.

Also if you can get another contractor to testify why it is not working or what they did wrong that would be even better.

Now depending on the contractor, many will not even show up, since they don't keep money in their name or own anything in their name, so even if you win, you can't get their money. ( hope you have better luck than a lot of people around here)

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Originally Posted by dougmartin

Next month I will be representing myself in small claims court (called Warrant in Debt in Virginia). I am suing a contractor who installed tile in my bedroom suite. The tile began popping up and coming loose within a month of installation.

My question is pretty basic: Do I present my documentation (receipts, contract, emails, etc) to the court ahead of time or during the court proceedings?

thanks

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It would also recommend taking pictures of the tiles, to present in court. Did you have a contract with the contractor? If no was someone around with you when you and the contractor agreed on the job and price. If you did have a contract you should read it carefully. Sometimes the small print gets back to you. I hope it all works out for you.