Hey everyone! This is my first time posting here, so I hope I’m in the right place. I’m seeking some advice on how to help my dad get out of a sticky situation with a contractor and move forward.
Here’s the deal: We hired this contractor for a project that was estimated to take 60 days, but it’s been dragging on for 18 months now. There have been delays, some justified, some questionable, and some seemingly intentional on the contractor’s part. We didn’t have a proper contract that detailed what happens in case of disputes or termination, and we gave close to 70% upfront without much protection.
Throughout the project, the contractor kept expanding the scope, leaving things unfinished, and acting unprofessionally by blaming us for his financial woes. Last week, he abruptly walked off the job, leaving us with incomplete work, uncertain permit status, and my dad feeling distraught and just wanting to move on.
The contractor sent a misleading letter justifying his actions, and it seems like he’s trying to manipulate the situation in his favor. We suspect some shady dealings in the invoices and feel like we’re being held hostage by his actions.
At this point, my dad just wants the contractor gone, but we’re unsure about our legal standing and how to protect ourselves from any further issues. We’ve checked his credentials before hiring him and found no complaints, but now it seems like he may have a history of such behavior.
We’re considering our options to recover what is owed to us for the incomplete work and financial assistance provided. We’re prepared to cut our losses if needed but want to ensure that the contractor doesn’t take advantage of us any further. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any help you can offer!