Contractor Material Breach of Contract

10 years ago

I had a contractor renovate a kitchen/bar project in multiple rooms. The work was so bad that they had to redo the flooring, painting, drywall repair multiple times. The work is still bad and they are saying it is fine but I have had other contractors come in and give estimates to repair/fix the issues (harwood floors, entry doors, painting, drywall, tilework, woodwork, not as designed, electrical work etc...) There is still a balance on the contract but the cost to repair the work that was done is much more than what is still owed. The job was horrific as the contractor lied on multiple occasions, used non qualified workers and was very unprofessional. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Featured Answer

PRO

Lampert Dias Architects, Inc.

10 years ago

If you are working with a licensed contractor, then there should be a contractor's board that licensed him ....you can file a complaint with them.

If he isn't licensed then there is not much more you can do. His work is bad and the sooner you get him out of there the better.

Make sure that he hasn't filed a contractor's lien on your property before you stop paying him.

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Comments (8)

Elle
10 years ago
I would suggest just having a quick consult with an attorney without telling the contractor.
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bekahjoy2015
10 years ago
look up info on your local Construction and Contractors Board. They have processes in place and steps to take. And yes, talk to an attorney!
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Elle
10 years ago
Strategically, I would talk to an attorney first and establish a game plan behind the scenes before making the issue publicly known.
Robert m thanked Elle
PRO
JudyG Designs
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
This sounds like what is going on with HGTV's "Love it or List It".

I guess the couple put up $145,000.00 for the renovation and the work was so shoddy, the cost of the repairs so high, it resulted in the couple suing the production company.

They found out all sorts of things...the original contractor wasn't licensed in their state, so they hired another who was, but the couple wasn't informed...on and on.

Very aggravating, but the worst is your excitement turns to disappointment and then angst.

Sorry...get an attorney...: < (
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Robert m
Original Author
10 years ago
has anyone ever used an arbitrator in these situations?
PRO
Lampert Dias Architects, Inc.
10 years ago
You also have Small Claims Court as an option.

It depends on how much you are looking to get back from the contractor. Keep in mind that he may not even have any assets......He probably doesn't have any kind of insurance that covers his work either.

Is it worth your time and money going after someone who can't pay you back for the damage done?
Elle
10 years ago
rtm32603, it's possible a mediator could be involved at some point. At this point there are a lot of unknown specifics ranging from your end goals to your contract to your contractor. I think you'd get better advice from a legal pro. than an online design discussion forum.