Quick Answer
Okay, so you're in a fight with your contractor. First, stop, document everything thoroughly (pictures, emails, detailed notes), and review your contract meticulously—it's your primary guide. Send a formal, written demand for resolution, citing specific contract clauses and issues. If that fails, consider formal complaints (e.g., state licensing board), mediation, arbitration, or legal action. Costs vary: free for self-advocacy with initial letters, but potentially thousands for legal or mediation services. Strategic, documented action from the outset is crucial.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Immediately pause any further payments and, if necessary, issue a stop-work order to the contractor.
Step 2
Thoroughly review your contract, highlighting the specific clauses related to the scope of work, timeline, materials, and payment schedule that have been violated.
Step 3
Document everything meticulously: take dated photos and videos of the defects, save all emails and text messages, and keep a log of all phone calls.
Step 4
Send a formal, written demand letter to the contractor via certified mail. Detail the specific issues, reference the contract, propose a clear remedy, and give a firm deadline for a response.
Step 5
File a complaint with your state's contractor licensing board. This is often a free and effective way to get a response.
Step 6
If the dispute involves a significant amount of money, a lien, or if the contractor is unresponsive, consult with a construction law attorney to understand your full range of legal options.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Direct Negotiation & Demand Letter | $0 - $50 | $300 - $1,000+ | 2-5 hours |
Filing State Licensing Board Complaint | $0 | N/A | 2-4 hours |
Mediation / Arbitration | $500 - $3,000 (your share of mediator) | $2,500 - $10,000+ | 1-3 days |
Small Claims Court | $50 - $400 | $1,000 - $5,000+ | Months |
Hiring a Construction Attorney | N/A | $300 - $800+ per hour | Ongoing |
When to Call a Professional General Contractor
- The second a mechanic's lien is filed on your property. This is a legal emergency.
- When the contractor has clearly abandoned the job and is no longer communicating.
- If the financial loss or cost to repair the defective work is substantial, typically more than you could recover in small claims court.
- Before you sign ANY settlement agreement or release form offered by the contractor.
- If you discover major safety violations or work that is not up to code.
- When your formal written demands are ignored and you're ready to take legal action.
Prevention Tips
- Always get a hyper-detailed written contract. If it's not in the contract, it doesn't exist.
- Thoroughly vet any contractor: check their license, insurance, and actually call their references.
- Never pay a large upfront deposit. Structure payments to be made only after specific project milestones are completed and inspected.
- Maintain a written record of all communications, especially any changes to the project scope.
- Conduct regular site visits to inspect the work quality as it happens, not after it's too late.
- Never make the final payment until a final walkthrough is complete and you have signed lien releases from the general contractor and all major subcontractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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