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What legal actions can I take against a contractor who did not complete their work according to our agreement?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

If you have hired a contractor to complete work for you and they failed to do so according to your agreement, there are several legal actions that you can take to seek recourse. Here are some options:

  1. Contact the contractor:

    Before taking any legal action, consider reaching out to the contractor to discuss the issue and try to resolve it amicably. This might involve requesting that they finish the work, refunding money paid, or negotiating a settlement that both parties can agree on.

  2. Review the contract:

    Look at the contract you signed with the contractor to see if there are any provisions that address a breach of contract or failure to complete the work as agreed. These provisions may include liquidated damages, which are pre-determined amounts of money that the contractor must pay if they fail to complete the work on time or to the expected level of quality.

  3. Report to the licensing board:

    If the contractor has a license, you can report them to the licensing board in your jurisdiction. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the board may be able to investigate and take disciplinary action against the contractor, which could include revocation of their license.

  4. File a lawsuit:

    If all else fails, you may need to file a lawsuit against the contractor to seek damages for their breach of contract. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, but if you have a well-drafted contract and solid evidence that the contractor failed to complete the work as agreed, you may be able to recover damages for your losses, including the cost of completing the unfinished work or fixing any damage caused by the contractor.

It's important to note that there are some potential limitations or exceptions to these legal actions, depending on the specifics of your case and the laws in your jurisdiction. For example, some states have mandatory arbitration or mediation requirements before a lawsuit can be filed, or may limit the amount of damages that can be recovered in certain types of cases. It's important to consult with a licensed attorney in your area who can advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation.