There is nothing more frustrating than paying a contractor good money and then he doesn’t finish the job.
1. Communicate with the contractor: Start by communicating with the contractor and explaining your concerns. Use your people skills here to try and get the job done. Sometimes, there may be a simple miscommunication or misunderstanding that can be resolved through clear communication.
2. Check the contract: Review the contract you signed with the contractor to see if there are any provisions that outline what happens if the job isn’t completed. This will give you an idea of your legal rights and what recourse you may have.
3. Document the work done: Keep detailed records of the work that has been completed so far and the payments you have made. This will be useful if you need to take legal action or file a complaint.
4. Terminating the contractor or hiring another contractor: This is tricky. You may want to get some advice from a lawyer for dealing with a contractor who doesn’t finish the job prior to terminating him. I have seen some contracts that have very punitive provisions that will cost you a lot of money if you terminate a contractor and hire another contractor without sufficient cause.
5. Take legal action: If the contractor has breached the contract, you may be able to take legal action to recover damages. This firm has experience in advising both homeowners and contractors on the best path forward.
Remember, it’s important to document everything and keep all communication in writing to protect your interests.
