Contractor Fails to Complete Work

[flip_it_fast]

I read something a reader had posted about how he hhad paid a contractor to $10,000 to complete some home renovations and the contractor has done minimal work and it was supposed to be completed months ago. This guy wants to know if he should take the matter to small claims court.

First of all I am not an attorney, this is simply some advice.

There is only so much a small claims court can do. If this guy wants the court to make the contractor finish the work in a timely manner then the matter will have to go to a higher court.

If he would just like to get a refund of money than small claims should be able to handle that.

First the man should either send a registered letter or letter (both can be traced) to the contracter demanding that the work be completed in a timely manner. This way, the contractor cannot claim in court that you did not provide ample time for the work to be completed.

Next, get another quote from another contractor so that there is documentation that supports that the money given and the time was sufficient.

Take photographs of the work that was done and what has yet to be done.

This information will back up your case in court.

[rickster]

Great advice. Hate to hear about contractors not living up to their agreements. Situations like this can tank what was originally a great opportunity.

One way to minimize this kind of exposure is to thoroughly evaluate contractor options before selecting one. Get references from them, and actually check them. Look closely at their web site for examples of their work, testimonials, etc.--and if they don't have a web site, that might be a reason not to hire them in this day and age.

Also take a look at their BBB ratings and their Angie's List ratings.

You do have to subscribe to Angie's List, though, (www.angieslist.com) to access the contractor's ratings.