As a homeowner, there's nothing more exciting than taking on a home improvement project. While hiring a contractor is easy enough, there's no guarantee the person will do what they promise.
One of the best ways to deal with a bad contractor is to avoid this situation in the first place. For example, do your homework to ensure that you hire a reputable contractor who has provided high-quality service to others in your community. Also, you should never let a person begin work until there is a signed contract in place.
Even if you take the right steps upfront, you could still find yourself dealing with a bad contractor. Here are some steps to take:
- Fire your contractor: While it's your right to do so, you should first attempt to work things out. If you fire your contractor without giving them a chance to make things right, it could cause more headaches than it's worth in the end.
- Review your contract: With your contract in hand, it's much easier to fight back against a bad contractor. If you can prove to them that they've not lived up to their end of the agreement, you're in a position of power.
- Hire an attorney: No one wants this to happen, but there may come a point when you need protection and guidance. If you can't work things out on your own, an attorney can step in to advise you on the next steps and help you escape this difficult situation.
- File a complaint: There are many ways to help others avoid the same fate, such as by filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Furthermore, you have the right to leave honest reviews online, thus giving other homeowners the information they need to make an informed decision on whether to work with the contractor.
It's your hope that the contractor you hire completes the job as discussed in a timely manner. If things take a turn for the worse, learn more about your legal rights and the steps you can take to deal with the bad contractor. It's not the ideal situation, but you don't want to be pushed around to the point of losing additional time and money.
