8 Things You Can Do When A Contractor Does Poor Work

It’s every homeowner’s nightmare: hiring a contractor to remodel their kitchen, install a new roof, or build an add-on to their house, only to be left with an unacceptable result and thousands of dollars spent.

The best way to avoid working with an unreliable contractor is to:

• Do thorough research
• Ask lots of questions
• Read online reviews
• Ask for referrals

But if you simply were unlucky with your selection or relied on a local handyman with a truck, you could be left in a difficult, complicated situation. You don’t have to just put up with a result you’re unhappy with. Here’s what to do when a contractor does poor work.

1) Communicate in Writing

Many issues between homeowners and contractors come down to one thing: miscommunication.

The contractor may fail to provide an accurate scope of the project or may leave the homeowner in the dark when it comes to updates, progress, and deadlines. Homeowners may also not ask the right questions upfront, which can lead to confusion about what was actually agreed upon.

Real-Life Scenario

For example, a homeowner hires a contractor to replace siding and assumes trim and soffits are included. The contractor completes the job but leaves those areas untouched, claiming they were never part of the original agreement. Because nothing was clearly outlined in writing, the homeowner is left frustrated with limited options to dispute the work.

What You Should Do

Be sure to communicate clearly with your contractor when you are not happy with the result. Whenever possible, keep communication in writing through text or email so you have documentation if issues arise. If you speak in person or over the phone, follow up with a quick recap email to confirm you are both on the same page.

2) Talk to the Subcontractors

If you have concerns about the work based on what the general contractor is telling you, it can be helpful to speak directly with the subcontractors on the project. They are often the ones doing the day-to-day work and may have a clearer picture of what is actually happening on-site.

Miscommunication between the contractor and their crew can lead to mistakes, delays, or work that does not match what you were promised.

Real-Life Scenario

For example, a homeowner is told that all window trim will be replaced as part of the project. However, after briefly speaking with the subcontractors, they learn the crew was only instructed to replace the windows themselves, not the trim. Catching this early allows the homeowner to address the issue before the work is completed incorrectly.

What You Should Do

If you choose to speak with subcontractors, remain respectful and professional. Avoid putting them in an uncomfortable position, as the general contractor will likely hear about the conversation.

Instead, ask simple questions about how the project is going and listen for any inconsistencies. This can help you identify potential issues early and clear up confusion before it becomes a bigger problem.

3) Write a Demand Letter

If you signed a contract, firing your contractor can be difficult. But, you can amend the original contract to give the contractor more time to complete the job. (And more time for you to hold onto your money until you’re satisfied.)

In many cases, if you want to fire your contractor, you’ll need to prove breach of contract. This can be difficult to prove, but documentation and photos will help. Note details like:

• Property damage
• Inferior/inappropriate materials
• Incomplete deadlines

Then, write a demand letter to the business asking them to fix the problem within a certain number of days, or you’ll terminate the contract.

Make the letter clear and specific, and make a copy of it before you send it. Send it as certified mail so that you receive a note when you mailed the letter and when it arrived. (This comes in handy if you have to end up getting a lawyer involved down the line.)

4) If They’re Bonded, Submit a Claim

A reputable contractor should be licensed, insured, and bonded. If they purchase a surety bond through their insurance agent, it provides protection for their customers. A contractor’s surety bond is essentially a promise to be liable for the debt, default, or failure of the company.

Hopefully, you hired a bonded contractor. If so, you can call their insurance company to submit a claim. If your claim is approved, the insurer will compensate you for any losses.

5) Report Issues to the State Licensing Board

Another benefit of hiring a licensed contractor is that you have the option to report issues to your state contractor licensing board. In many cases, contractors are required to respond to complaints and may need to fix the problem to avoid penalties or risking their license.

This added layer of accountability can give homeowners more leverage when trying to resolve disputes.

Real-Life Scenario

For example, a homeowner hires a licensed contractor for a roof replacement, but the work is done improperly and leads to leaks within a few weeks. After multiple attempts to get the contractor to fix the issue go unanswered, the homeowner files a complaint with the state licensing board. Once the complaint is submitted, the contractor is required to respond and often takes action quickly to resolve the issue to remain in good standing.

What You Should Do

If you are unable to resolve the issue directly with your contractor, look up your state’s licensing board for guidance on filing a complaint. Each state has its own process, which is typically outlined on the department’s website.

You can also call the agency directly to make sure you are following the correct steps and provide any documentation needed to support your claim.

6) Utilize a Payment Schedule

This step is something to do before the work begins because it helps you avoid scams down the line. Include a payment schedule in your contract that states you won’t release the final payment until the work is finished.

This helps you avoid getting bamboozled by an unreliable contractor who takes your money and runs without finishing the job. If supply issues are holding up the work, you can pay for the work that was completed to your satisfaction and set up a payment schedule for when the rest of it will get completed.

A good contractor will never demand full payment upfront.

7) Leave an Honest Review

Online reviews can make or break a business. Don’t immediately jump the gun and leave a harsh review online at the first sign of difficulty. But if your contractor does shoddy work and refuses to amend their mistakes, let them know that you’ll be leaving a review.

Sometimes the thought of a bad review can be enough for a contractor to finally want to solve the issue. But if they still don’t do anything to help, leave an honest review outlining your problem. Don’t be unnecessarily harsh or mean, but explain your disappointment in how the contractor handled your situation.

8) If Things Are Very Bad, Contact an Attorney

The last thing anyone wants to do is take legal action, but if you’re left with property damage and thousands of dollars gone from your bank account, you should hire an attorney. Reach out to a construction or real estate attorney who knows how to navigate the types of contracts you dealt with.

If you don’t have the means to hire an attorney, you can also represent yourself in small claims court. Small claims court generally works for disputes less than $15,000. In this situation, you pay just a few dollars to start a case. The judge speaks to both parties, asks questions, and finally settles the dispute.

Avoid Issues With a Trusted Local Contractor

We can definitely empathize with homeowners who deal with scams and shoddy work. No one wants to be left scrambling to get their money back because someone caused damage or left incomplete work on their home. Yikes.

The best way to alleviate the stress and worry of hiring a roofing contractor is to work with one that’s been proven in your region. Here at ARCH Exteriors, we’re fully licensed and insured in Maryland and Virginia, and we have over 200+ 5-star reviews from happy homeowners.

Avoid bad contractors and rely on someone you can trust instead. Reach out to ARCH today, and we’ll be happy to connect!