Originally Posted by FBinNY

One of the bits of advice I give new wheel builders is the same as given to new bakers ---- "don't overwork the dough". I'll often refuse to do anything more than touchup, or basic alignment on wheels that have been heavily worked by others. Reworking someone else's wheel is often harder than building fresh, and not knowing what happened before makes me uncomfortable taking responsibility the way I would on a wheel I built fresh.

BTW- I've had people bring me situations like these and sometimes refer to them in terms that are a bit too crude to post here -- think "messy leftovers".

I tell you this so you won't be surprised if the builder isn't comfortable or willing to make you any promises. Of course he can and should offer advice and explanation, and may be willing to give it a go for you, but don't be surprised by a disclaimer.