“She and others have told me that it’s common for Trump to pay 80 percent of a project, withhold the remainder of what is owed by claiming dissatisfaction with the work”
If that were true then vendors and subcontractors would do one of two things
1. Refuse to bid on his jobs
2. Inflate their estimates by 20%
No large construction company could consistently try to cheat subcontractors out of 20% of the contract and stay in business.
I think Tama Starr just did substandard work
FWIW, when I have anything except plumbing, electric, or heating done, I go through a home improvement outfit that supervises subcontractors. He always witholds a percentage until the job is completed and inspected. And the job is not allowed to go over time or above budget.
I end up saving money and never having problems with the work. So, yeah, I'd agree with you. If this contractor isn't getting all of her money, there must be a reason.
Trump probably figures they have already inflated their estimates by 20 per cent. Everyone on is still rich...just not as rich as they thought they might be after a Trump project!