What can I do about a bad contractor?

2/10/2014 at 10:18:29 AM

Hello Ray,

It's pretty simple. If you're not happy then it's time to find another contractor. It sounds like your job isn't very important to them. It's time to stop the bleeding and find a contractor your comfortable with. I'm not saying they are bad contractors. It could be a result of something as simple as mabe they have over booked themselves.

The key here is to never burn a bridge. Try to be diplomatic and sever the relationship in a calm and mature manner.

Al Bartlett

2/10/2014 at 2:48:45 PM

Hi Ray,

What kind of work are you having done?

What deposit and payments have you made?

If you are even on work and payments, I would have another contractor that has good references quote you on the completion of the project. Depending on the stage the project is in another contractor will have to be care full to check the quality of the work completed.

And then give you a price.

Very often you get what you pay for. So don't look for the lowest price.

Its not like buying a car or appliance.

Post more information and you will get accurate answers. From me as well.

Good luck,

James Fram

2/10/2014 at 5:04:58 PM

Not much at this point. He can place the lean on Your House and there is nothing you can do. At this point work with him or try to make him on offer and chances are he will except the offer.

Time was 8 months ago to select the contractor, the price is not always answer.

2/10/2014 at 5:58:41 PM

Basically fire him. If you haven't given him money yet you have some power. To get them to agree to it it's simple. Pay them out for work completed as a percentage.

Did you sign a contract? If so, did you have a start and completion date?

How much work has to be replaced, or redone? Get someone to do an estimate on that for you, and take that out of the percentage of the contract you're paying them.

Everyone knows when they haven't done work up to par. If they're in over their heads this is a good way out for them. All you have to do is sit down with them and come up with a payment agreement, and make them sign it.

Oh, and make sure you get a receipt by the sounds of it...lol. It's not that bad of a situation.

2/11/2014 at 10:42:49 PM

Go back to your contract. If you hired a pro there was a very detailed contract spelling out what to do in situations like this.

Contracts protect everyone Probably the home owner most.

2/12/2014 at 12:57:27 PM

Good afternoon Ray,

You are the home owner and your expectations should be such the contractor or company will listen to your concerns and complaints about the project quality and timeliness of completion. I hope they are professional and will sit down with you.

Have that discussion with them and hopefully both parties can come to an agreement, if not it is time to part ways. Seek the appropriate advice whether it is legal, Better Business Bureau or in your contract.

Enlist the services of a qualified, licensed, insured and WSIB compliant company to help you complete and finish the project if necessary.

Dave

2/14/2014 at 11:08:57 PM

Fire them and dont pay another cent to them !!! a renovation shouldn't take longer then 2 months depending on the project of course but 8 months seem too long.

2/21/2014 at 6:52:34 PM

I am so tired of hearing this. I got two calls from people who did not hire us cause we cost more for a top service now want to hire me for a quote for their lawyers...IF IT IS CHEAP EXPECT TO GET RIPPED OFF!!!!! PAY THE RIGHT GUY THE RIGHT PRICE AND GET IT DONE RIGHT!!!!

That being said fire the bum and sue him...but if you had no contract forget about getting anything.

2/26/2014 at 8:53:42 AM

My best advise. Take your losses and get them off your site. It's not worth damaging your health and losing any more dollars. Don't loose your cool. Make him understand in a nice way if you are not capable get someone involved to help you resolve this situation by being an mediator. It will save you more money and headaches.

Mostly it's multiple projects, trades not showing up but he charged you less for an estimate and the contractor was paying less to the trades, so trades run where they get paid more, mostly.

Good luck.