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When contractors do a bad job, there are several things you can do to resolve the situation. What do you do when that happens? This article is for anyone who has ever dealt with a contractor who delivered less-than-ideal results.
Many of us know people who have had to endure nightmares due to poor work done by a contractor. This is not a common occurrence. More than half of homeowners have had a bad experience with their remodels or complained about a poor contractor. Poor craft is a significant reason homeowners are dissatisfied.
Things To Do When Contractors Do a Bad Job
Here’s are some things to do when contractors do a bad job are as fellow:
- Fire The Contractor
- Try to Talk It Out
- Hire an Attorney
- Make a Claim or Complaint
- Filing a Case in Small Claims Court
- File a Complaint to The Licensing Board
- Leave a Bad Review
Fire The Contractor
Although it may seem simple to fire your contractor, it can be difficult when things go wrong. The contractor can challenge the termination in court as a breach of contract. You will need to prove that he violated the contractor agreement.
It would help if you documented any instances when the contractor fails to live up to contract terms, such as sub-standard materials or a failure to adhere to the schedule. Send a letter of return to the contractor’s business and address, stating that she is in breach of contract if it’s not fixed within a specific time.
Try to Talk It Out
Talk to your contractor even if the worst happens. Contractors rely on positive reviews and word-of-mouth marketing, and most will seek your feedback to correct any mistakes.
Do not cut corners in addressing any concerns you have about their work. Talk about your disappointments and unmet requirements in the contract to find a solution. To support your claims, be sure to attach all supporting documentation.
You can save time and money by resolving the matter before you hire lawyers. Small business owners and employees don’t want to be in court. Your contractor will most likely resolve the issue or offer a solution if you keep calm and have all the documentation.
Hire an Attorney
A real estate attorney or construction lawyer can help you identify weaknesses in your contract and assist with drafting. You may be eligible for compensation from the state’s recovery fund if your contractor disappears completely.
This process can be handled by an experienced attorney. The downside to hiring a lawyer is the high cost. If you don’t want to lose a lot, it may not be financially wise.
Make a Claim or Complaint
Next, you need to determine if you are eligible to file a complaint or claim. There are two steps to this process, which will vary depending on the contractor you hired. Some excavation contractors have a surety policy to protect themselves against any client disputes or complaints. If you can show evidence of poor or incomplete work, the approach will also work.
Ask the management team to provide contact information for their insurance agent. Request a copy of the contractor’s surety bonds and file a bond claim. The policy will cover your losses and reimburse the contractor is approved. This policy protects everyone and allows contractors to get compensated for poorly done work.
Filing a Case in Small Claims Court
You can represent yourself in small claims courts and only a few dollars to start a case. A judge usually speaks with both sides, asks questions, and resolves the dispute according to the applicable law. Your local jurisdiction will determine the guidelines.
When you complete your paperwork, be sure to include the following information:
- Your name and address (or address of the project)
- Information about the dispute that led to your claim
- A precise calculation of the damage you are requesting
It is important to remember that small claims court is only for more minor disputes. A small claims court case can be filed for arguments less than $15,000. The maximum amount brought to small claims court is generally less than $15,000.
File a Complaint to The Licensing Board
A benefit of hiring a licensed contractor to work for you is the ability to report any disputes or issues to your state licensing boards. Contractors will often resolve the issue to avoid dealing with the state licensing board.
The state licensing board will usually require contractors to report their complaints. They can either attend a mediation hearing or directly solve the issue with you.
Leave a Bad Review
Lastly, you can post information about bad contractors on various websites (e.g., Angieslist.com). Although a negative review will not necessarily resolve your dispute, it might motivate other contractors to correct the issue so you can retract your negative thinking. A bad review can at least alert other homeowners in similar situations, so they don’t suffer the same fate.
Don’t Hire a Bad Contractor To Save Time And Money
You can only follow these steps if you have had a bad experience. Next, Do your research if you aren’t yet a contractor and wish to avoid any headaches. You will have a smoother renovation project if you do your research. You won’t have to worry about what to do if your contractor does bad work.
Check Reviews And Red Flags
If you look at reviews and speak to multiple contractors about the job, there will be many red flags. The top signs that you are being scammed include the need to pay in cash, a large upfront deposit (more than 20%), no physical office, and poor-looking equipment.
Recommendations
Begin with family members and friends, then contact the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to find a list of members near you. Talk to a building inspector who will know which contractors are compliant with the code.
To Sum Up!
It’s difficult to know if a contractor is doing poor work before they start. Take a deep breath, and remember the above advice if you find yourself in a difficult situation. First, seek legal advice from a licensed professional if you find yourself in a difficult situation. You can make it through with patience and time.