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Troubled contractor should not have been certified in Jacksonville
2/2/2006  To see video go to: http://www.fox30online.com/mediacenter/#top
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Last year, more than 40 homeowners filed complaints with the city claiming contractor David Vickers was taking their money and not doing the work.

In December, Vickers filed for bankruptcy leaving the allegedly affected families in the cold.

However, Vickers is still working.

Local doctor Alex Pogrebniak and his wife Diane hired David Vickers to build a bedroom addition and a carport on their San Marco home, a home that is on the national registry of historic homes.

The cost of the job was more than $86,000 dollars, and according to the Pogrebniak’s, should have been done in 12 weeks. Now, 15 months and $77,000 later, the work is no where near being finished.

Since Vickers has declared bankruptcy, they fear they won't get their money back, and wish to warn others by sharing their own plight.

Last Wednesday, the State Department of Business and Professional Regulation pulled Vickers’ license, and the city thought Vickers was finally out of business. But less than 48 hours later, his license was reinstated.

Jacksonville's Chief of Building Inspection Tom Goldsbury wasn't given a reason why it was reinstated, but says he isn't surprised.

"The laws are very -- I don't want to say manipulative. But to some degree, [they are]. If he's working within the law, he's allowed to work within the law," says Goldsbury.

However, just when all of the controversy surrounding Vickers seems to be out in the open, more is discovered.

According to Vickers’ 1993 certification application, he should not have been licensed to work in Jacksonville at all.

To get a license, the state requires proof that contractors have four years of experience. And if that work is out of state, it has to be verified by a licensed building official, licensed architect or a licensed engineer.

In Vickers’ case, most of his work was done in Georgia, but the person certifying his experience was a certified plumber, and that doesn't count. Vickers’ application should have been denied.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation have not yet been reached for comment regarding Vickers’ certification.

Officials say, if you are looking for a contractor, your best bet is to call code enforcement. Inspectors can give you the latest information on contractors, and might save you a lot of money and heartache.