Building Contractors

Handling Disputes With Contracts

Let's face it, it's not a perfect world. Even with the best laid plan and the most carefully hired contractor, things can go wrong during a renovation, remodel or addition project. If you're not happy with the way work is progressing on a job you've contracted out for, the situation requires a little common sense.

A simple dispute, if handled poorly, can escalate into the contractor walking off the job or worse, so proceed smartly and be fair. The best place to start if you're unhappy with a job is with the contractor himself. Make your concerns known, talk with the contractor and be clear, but decent with raising the issues.

Should you find that dealing with the contractor to resolve the issue is impossible, enlist help from another professional familiar with the job. The architect who drew up the plans for the addition, for example, may be able to step in and ensure the room that's supposed to be 20 by 20 doesn't get built at a 15 by 20 size.

If this doesn't work, there are a series of steps you can take to resolve a problem with a contractor. They include:

Outline the contractual obligations you feel haven't been met in a letter. Give a reasonable timeline for bringing the items into compliance and send the letter out certified to the contractor.

Contact the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint. The bureau will let the contractor know this has been done and it might light a fire with the contractor. Few reputable contractors want a bad report with the bureau so often times they will act at this point.

Report the contractor to the county or state licensing board. This is bad news for a contractor and they will want to avoid this since these boards can sometimes even fine the contractor or take away his or her license if he or she isn't functioning in accordance with laws.

Seek mediation services through the licensing board or even the Better Business Bureau. By bringing both parties to the table, the mediator might be able to broker an agreement that makes all parties happy and results in your job being completed the way you want it done.

If all else fails, bring the issue to court. If you signed a contract and that work hasn't been completed correctly and now the bills are coming in, you may find you have no other choice but do this. Save this option for the absolute last and remember most good contractors will want to meet you half way long before it gets to this point. Sometimes a simple misunderstanding is to blame and no matter who's fault it is, it's a good idea to try and resolve matters peacefully among yourselves before getting to this point.

Most contractors are reputable business people who want to do a job and do it right. When disputes arise, they will work hard to resolve them. It's good for you, them and their business for this to happen.

Unfortunately, bad contractors do exist. By having a written contract and scope of work in hand before work commences, you can protect yourself if you find out you've hired one of these. Work should be completed in accordance with a contract and should be done to specs before a contractor considers a job done and billable.