Please post input if you have suggestions for proactive actions on my part. This general contractor was the second highest bidder, so the project is not on the cheap. Just as a point of information, I happen to know that he has been paying some of his employees under the table.

The following is from my general contractor in response to my dissatisfaction, and my request to know, after 3 months of piecemeal work, when the roof would be complete. Also, I had told him that the security gate had been left open overnight and that I expected him to check each evening to see that the property was secure:

"Thirty days from today is December 18. I expect that to be the day of "substantial completion" as mentioned in our contract. This is almost exactly the date that I gave in the contract for estimated completion date. The roof will be done, the stucco, windows and doors will be done. The plumbing, electric and HVAC will be done. The sheetrock and tile will be in place. Because the cabinets are somewhat delayed, whether or not the kitchen and bathrooms are completed by Dec 18 I am not so sure. But there is no question, we will be at substantial completion at that time.

For the next month I will continue with my job just as I have been for the last five months, things will proceed at a breakneck pace. But I am planning on wrapping up by December 18. I suggest finding a high-end, special order type of finish contractor with lots of experience and a very patient demeanour to help you finish up."