Tom Molen's dream of opening Tee Box, a virtual golf training and performance center near Delray Beach along Jog Road south of Linton Boulevard, hit significant delays and costs after contractor problems. The facility was scheduled to open in April but was postponed three months after issues with the licensed contractor hired to prepare the space. Molen said the work had to be redone, creating a costly domino effect that he estimates cost approximately $90,000. The figure doesn't include lost revenue during delays or expenses for bringing in another contractor to fix the problems. "It was double pay on a lot of things from electricians to HVAC to drywall," Molen said.
Molen worked with Code Pro of the Palm Beaches, which is warning property and business owners to thoroughly vet contractors before hiring them. Founder David Allan estimates 25% to 35% of homeowners and property owners in Palm Beach County face major issues with unvetted contractors. He recommends using Palm Beach County's online portal to verify whether contractors have proper licenses and insurance before work begins. Despite the setbacks, Molen said he is moving forward. "Like the game of golf, I gotta put that bad shot behind me," he said. Tee Box's grand opening is set for July 17.