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What are my options if a contractor did not complete the work that they were hired to do on my property in Georgia?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

If a contractor failed to complete work on your property in Georgia, you have several legal options available to you:

  1. Review the contract – The first step is to review the contract you signed with the contractor to determine if there are any provisions that address non-performance or non-completion of work. The contract may provide for specific remedies or damages.

  2. File a complaint – You may file a complaint with the Georgia Secretary of State Contractor Licensing Board. This board is responsible for regulating and issuing licenses to contractors in Georgia. They are also responsible for investigating complaints against licensed contractors.

  3. Send a demand letter – A demand letter is a formal document that is sent to the contractor demanding that they complete the work or provide a refund. The letter should outline the specific work that was supposed to be completed, the date it was supposed to be completed, and the amount of money paid to the contractor. Be sure to send the demand letter via certified mail with return receipt requested.

  4. Mediation or arbitration – Mediation or arbitration can be a cost-effective and efficient way to resolve disputes without going to court. Mediation and arbitration are both alternative dispute resolution methods that allow parties to create a solution that works for everyone. Mediation is a non-binding process where a neutral third party facilitates the negotiation between the parties, while arbitration is a more formal process where a neutral third party makes a decision that is binding on the parties.

  5. File a lawsuit – If all else fails, you may need to file a lawsuit against the contractor for breach of contract. To succeed in a breach of contract lawsuit, you will need to prove that there was a valid contract, that the contractor breached the contract, and that you suffered damages as a result of the breach.

It is important to note that there may be limitations or exceptions to each of these options, and that they may not be appropriate in every circumstance. For example, mediation and arbitration may not be appropriate if there is a significant power imbalance between the parties or if the contractor engaged in fraudulent conduct. Seeking the advice of a licensed attorney who practices in Georgia is highly recommended.