Use this contractor disputes guide to build a clear demand letter for Charleston.
Charleston Contractor Disputes: Your Complete Guide to Resolving Home Improvement Conflicts
When a Charleston contractor fails to complete work properly, abandons a project, or charges for work not performed, homeowners face both financial loss and the stress of an unfinished or poorly executed project. The Lowcountry's unique architectural heritage and coastal building challenges make contractor selection and oversight particularly important, and unfortunately, disputes in this area are common. South Carolina law provides several avenues for holding contractors accountable, but effectively pursuing these remedies requires understanding the applicable legal framework and proper procedures.
Charleston's building environment presents distinctive considerations for contractor disputes. Historic properties in the downtown peninsula require specialized knowledge of preservation requirements. Coastal construction must address flood zone regulations, hurricane resistance standards, and moisture management challenges particular to the Lowcountry climate. New construction in rapidly developing areas like Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, and West Ashley brings its own set of concerns about builder quality and warranty compliance. Whatever the context, homeowners who experience contractor problems need practical guidance on asserting their rights.
South Carolina's contractor licensing and regulation framework, administered by the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, provides important protections for consumers. The state requires licensing for general contractors and mechanical contractors performing work above certain thresholds, and violations of licensing requirements can affect contractors' ability to enforce contracts and may provide additional remedies for consumers.
This comprehensive guide addresses the specific concerns of Charleston-area homeowners dealing with contractor disputes. We will examine the relevant South Carolina statutes including the Contractor's Licensing Law and consumer protection provisions, provide step-by-step guidance for documenting problems and pursuing resolution, explain the administrative and legal remedies available, and identify local resources that can assist homeowners. Whether your dispute involves a kitchen renovation gone wrong, a roofing project with deficient work, or a complete new home construction with multiple defects, this guide will help you understand your options for resolution and recovery.
South Carolina Contractor Law: Protections for Charleston Homeowners
The legal framework governing contractor disputes in South Carolina combines contractor licensing requirements, general contract law, consumer protection statutes, and specific provisions for residential construction. Understanding this framework is essential for Charleston homeowners seeking to resolve disputes with contractors.
The South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Law, found at Section 40-11-10 et seq. of the South Carolina Code, establishes licensing requirements for contractors performing certain types of work. General contractors performing work exceeding $5,000 in value must be licensed by the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board. Mechanical contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) have their own licensing requirements under separate provisions. The licensing requirement protects consumers by ensuring contractors meet minimum competency standards and carry required insurance.
The consequences of unlicensed contracting are significant under South Carolina law. Under Section 40-11-370, contracts made by unlicensed contractors for work requiring a license may be unenforceable. This means an unlicensed contractor may not be able to sue a homeowner to collect payment for work performed. Additionally, the Contractor's Licensing Board can take enforcement action against unlicensed contractors, and homeowners may have enhanced remedies against unlicensed operators.
The South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act (SCUTPA), codified at Section 39-5-10 et seq., provides important protections for consumers in contractor disputes. When a contractor engages in unfair or deceptive trade practices, such as misrepresenting qualifications, abandoning projects after receiving payment, or performing grossly substandard work, the homeowner may be entitled to actual damages and, for willful violations, treble damages up to $5,000 plus attorney's fees. This statute provides remedies beyond simple breach of contract.
South Carolina's Home Improvement Fraud Act, while narrower in scope, specifically addresses fraudulent conduct by home improvement contractors. Contractors who make material misrepresentations to induce consumers to enter contracts, or who take payment without intending to complete work, may be subject to criminal penalties as well as civil liability.
For residential construction, the South Carolina Homebuilders' Warranty Act, found at Section 40-59-810 et seq., establishes implied warranties for new home construction. These include a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials, a two-year warranty on major systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), and a five-year warranty on structural components. These warranties apply regardless of whether the builder provides express warranties and cannot be waived.
General contract law principles apply to contractor agreements. Written contracts are enforceable according to their terms, and even oral contracts for work under the statute of frauds threshold may be enforceable. When contractors breach their agreements by failing to complete work, performing substandard work, or violating specifications, homeowners may recover damages including the cost to complete or correct the work, diminished property value, and consequential damages.
South Carolina's mechanic's lien law, found at Section 29-5-10 et seq., allows contractors who are not paid to place liens on properties where they performed work. Homeowners should understand that subcontractors and suppliers may have lien rights even if the homeowner paid the general contractor. Lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers should be obtained as progress payments are made.
Charleston's location within a coastal flood zone means that much residential construction must comply with FEMA floodplain management requirements and local flood damage prevention ordinances. Contractors who fail to build in compliance with these requirements may expose homeowners to serious problems, including inability to obtain flood insurance, reduced property value, and safety concerns. Violations of building codes can support claims of negligence and breach of contract.
The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission regulates residential builders specifically, while the Contractor's Licensing Board handles general and mechanical contractors. Both agencies accept complaints and can take disciplinary action against licensed contractors who violate their regulations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resolving Charleston Contractor Disputes
Resolving contractor disputes effectively requires systematic action to document problems, communicate with the contractor, and pursue available remedies. The following guide walks Charleston homeowners through the process.
Before taking any other action, create comprehensive documentation of the contractor's failures. Photograph all defective work from multiple angles, including wide shots showing context and close-ups showing specific defects. If the issue is incomplete work, photograph what was and was not completed. Create written descriptions of each problem, noting when you first observed it. This documentation will be essential for any dispute resolution process.
Carefully review your written contract with the contractor, including all attachments, change orders, and amendments. Note the scope of work specified, materials to be used, timeline for completion, payment terms, and any warranty provisions. Compare the contract requirements to the actual work performed. Also gather permits pulled for the work and any inspection records.
Use the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board online verification system to confirm whether your contractor holds a valid license. Note the license number, classification, and status. If the contractor was required to be licensed but was not, this significantly affects your legal remedies and the contractor's ability to enforce the contract against you.
Determine the financial impact of the contractor's failures. This may include the cost to complete unfinished work (obtain estimates from other contractors), the cost to correct defective work, amounts paid for work not performed, additional expenses caused by delays, and diminished property value if applicable. Keep all receipts and estimates organized.
Prepare a formal written notice to the contractor identifying the specific problems with the work, citing contract provisions that were violated, calculating the damages you have suffered, and demanding that the contractor remedy the situation within a specified timeframe (typically 15-30 days). Reference your right to pursue legal remedies if the situation is not resolved.
Send your notice via certified mail with return receipt requested to the contractor's business address. Keep copies of the letter, the certified mail receipt, and the return receipt. Many contracts require written notice before disputes can proceed, and documented notice is essential for any subsequent legal action.
Some disputes can be resolved through direct negotiation with the contractor after formal notice is given. If your contract includes a mediation or dispute resolution clause, you may be required to participate in that process before litigation. Even without a contractual requirement, mediation through the Better Business Bureau or a professional mediator can sometimes achieve resolution more quickly than litigation.
If the contractor fails to respond satisfactorily, file a formal complaint with the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board (for general contractors over $5,000) or the appropriate licensing board for specialty contractors. The Board can investigate, take disciplinary action, and in some cases facilitate resolution. Complaints can be filed online through the LLR website.
Consider filing complaints with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau. While these agencies cannot force contractors to pay damages, their involvement creates pressure for resolution and generates records that may be useful in litigation.
To establish your damages, obtain written estimates from at least two licensed contractors for the work needed to complete or correct the project. These estimates should be detailed, itemizing the specific work required and materials needed. They provide evidence of your damages and can be presented in court.
If informal resolution efforts fail, send a formal demand letter citing applicable South Carolina law, including the Contractor's Licensing Law, Unfair Trade Practices Act, and general contract principles. State your damages specifically and demand payment or performance within 15 days. Indicate that you will pursue legal action if the demand is not satisfied.
For claims up to $7,500, Charleston County Magistrate Court provides an accessible forum. For larger claims, you will need to file in Circuit Court, where attorney representation is typically advisable. Prepare your case by organizing all documentation, contracts, photographs, estimates, and correspondence. Present your case clearly and professionally.
Essential Documentation for Charleston Contractor Disputes
Successful contractor dispute resolution depends on thorough documentation that demonstrates the contractor's failures and your resulting damages. Charleston homeowners should gather comprehensive evidence to support their claims.
Contract and Project Documents
The written contract is the foundation of your claim. Retain the complete contract including all pages, attachments, and addenda. Keep all change orders that modified the original scope or price. Retain the contractor's proposal or estimate that formed the basis for the agreement. If the contractor provided warranties, keep copies. All of these documents define what the contractor was supposed to do and what standards apply.
Payment Records
Documentation of payments made to the contractor is essential. Keep copies of all checks, both front and back after cashing. Retain credit card statements or receipts showing payments. Keep any invoices the contractor submitted. Create a summary showing dates, amounts, and total paid. This establishes what you have already invested and, if the contractor was overpaid relative to work completed, the amount owed.
Photographic and Video Evidence
Visual documentation of defective or incomplete work is often the most compelling evidence. Photograph all problem areas from multiple angles, including both detail shots and contextual shots showing the overall situation. Take video of issues that cannot be fully captured in still photos, such as water leaks or HVAC problems. Date-stamp all images or include objects in photos that establish the date.
Before and After Comparisons
If you have photos of the property before work began, these can demonstrate the scope of changes and help establish baselines. Progress photos taken during construction can show how problems developed. Comparison of the current condition to contract specifications illustrates where the work fell short.
Permit and Inspection Records
Obtain copies of all building permits pulled for your project from Charleston County or your municipality. Request inspection records showing whether inspections were performed and passed or failed. Unpulled permits, failed inspections, or work performed without required permits all support claims against the contractor and may constitute code violations.
Communications with the Contractor
Preserve all communications with the contractor including emails, text messages, and voicemails. Keep written notes of phone conversations including date, time, and content discussed. These communications may show contractor acknowledgment of problems, promises to repair, or other relevant admissions.
Expert Assessments
For complex issues involving structural problems, code compliance, or specialized systems, professional assessments can be crucial. Home inspectors can document defects in a formal report. Licensed contractors in specific trades can evaluate work quality and estimate repair costs. Engineers may be needed for structural issues. Building code officials can identify code violations. These professional opinions carry significant weight in dispute proceedings.
Repair Estimates
Obtain written estimates from licensed contractors for work needed to correct defects or complete unfinished work. Multiple estimates help establish reasonable repair costs. Estimates should be detailed, breaking down labor and materials. These documents prove your damages and show what it will cost to put you in the position you would have been in had the contractor performed properly.
Weather and Timeline Records
For disputes involving delays, document the timeline of the project. Keep records showing when work was supposed to be completed and when it actually was. Weather records can be relevant if the contractor claims weather delays. Calendar entries and dated photographs help establish the timeline.
Lien and Payment Verification
Document any mechanic's liens filed against your property by subcontractors or suppliers. Retain lien waivers obtained as payments were made. Check county records for any liens. Liens by unpaid subcontractors may indicate the contractor failed to pay for materials or labor you paid for.
Critical Deadlines for Charleston Contractor Disputes
Understanding and adhering to deadlines is essential for Charleston homeowners pursuing contractor disputes. Missing limitations periods can permanently bar recovery, regardless of the validity of your claim.
Statute of Limitations for Contract Claims
South Carolina's statute of limitations for breach of contract claims is three years under Section 15-3-530 of the South Carolina Code. This period runs from the date the breach occurred, which is typically when the defective work was completed or when the contractor abandoned the project. For homeowners with ongoing problems, each new defect or continuing failure may create a new limitations period.
Statute of Limitations for Negligence Claims
Claims based on contractor negligence are also subject to a three-year statute of limitations. However, under the discovery rule, the limitations period may not begin until the homeowner knew or should have known of the defect. For hidden defects that only become apparent later, this can extend the effective deadline. However, for defects that were obvious at completion, the deadline runs from completion.
Homebuilders' Warranty Periods
The South Carolina Homebuilders' Warranty Act establishes specific warranty periods: one year for workmanship and materials, two years for major systems, and five years for structural components. Claims must be made within these periods. However, these are warranty periods, not statutes of limitations; you have additional time after the warranty period expires to file suit for warranty breaches that occurred during the warranty period.
Unfair Trade Practices Act Limitations
Claims under the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act must be filed within three years of the unfair or deceptive act. Since SCUTPA claims can provide treble damages and attorney's fees, they are often worth pursuing, but the same general three-year limitations period applies.
Contractor's Licensing Board Complaints
The Contractor's Licensing Board does not impose strict deadlines for complaints, but practical considerations favor prompt filing. Evidence is fresher, the contractor is easier to locate, and the Board may be limited in what actions it can take regarding older matters. File complaints as soon as you determine the contractor is not going to resolve the dispute voluntarily.
Notice Requirements in Construction Contracts
Many construction contracts include provisions requiring homeowners to provide notice of defects within a specified period, sometimes as short as 30 days after discovering a problem. Review your contract for notice requirements and comply with them even if you believe they may be unenforceable. Failure to provide required notice can complicate your claim.
Mechanic's Lien Deadlines
If a subcontractor or supplier files a mechanic's lien against your property, there are deadlines for challenging the lien. Conversely, lien claimants must file suit to foreclose within specific periods or the lien expires. Understanding these deadlines can be important if your property is affected by liens related to the contractor dispute.
Demand Letter and Response Periods
While not statutory deadlines, the response periods you establish in demand letters create a practical timeline for escalation. Typically, 15 to 30 days is reasonable for contractor response. Document when you sent the demand and when the deadline passed without satisfactory response.
Common Mistakes Charleston Homeowners Make in Contractor Disputes
Charleston homeowners pursuing contractor disputes frequently make avoidable mistakes that weaken their claims or reduce their recovery. Understanding these pitfalls can help you navigate the process more effectively.
Paying Too Much Upfront
Many disputes could be avoided or minimized by maintaining appropriate payment leverage. Homeowners who pay large percentages upfront leave themselves vulnerable if the contractor fails to perform. South Carolina law does not strictly regulate contractor payment schedules for most work, so homeowners must negotiate appropriate terms. Generally, payments should be tied to completion milestones, with significant funds retained until final completion and inspection.
Not Having a Written Contract
Oral contracts for home improvement work are notoriously difficult to enforce because the parties often have different recollections of what was agreed. Without a written contract specifying scope, materials, price, and timeline, homeowners have difficulty proving the contractor's obligations. Always insist on detailed written contracts before work begins.
Failing to Verify Licensing
Hiring unlicensed contractors exposes homeowners to significant risks, including substandard work, no insurance coverage, and difficulty recovering damages. Before hiring any contractor for work over $5,000, verify their license through the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board. For specialty work like electrical or plumbing, verify appropriate trade licenses.
Not Documenting Problems Promptly
Homeowners sometimes notice problems but do not document them until the dispute escalates. By then, conditions may have changed, memories have faded, and opportunities for documentation have been lost. Photograph and document problems as soon as you observe them, even if you hope the contractor will resolve them.
Continuing to Pay Despite Problems
Some homeowners continue making scheduled payments even when they observe defective or incomplete work, hoping the contractor will make things right. This reduces your leverage and increases your exposure if the contractor ultimately fails to perform. If work is deficient, withhold further payment until issues are resolved, while documenting your reasons in writing.
Not Getting Lien Waivers
Homeowners who pay general contractors without obtaining lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers may find liens placed on their property even though they paid the contractor in full. The subcontractors and suppliers have lien rights against the property regardless of whether the contractor paid them. Obtain lien waivers with each progress payment.
Making Repairs Before Documenting Damage
In frustration, some homeowners immediately repair defective work before properly documenting the original condition. This can make it difficult to prove what the contractor did wrong. Document everything thoroughly before making corrections, and retain damaged materials if they might be relevant evidence.
Failing to Mitigate Damages
While you should document before repairing, you also have a duty to mitigate damages. If a contractor's defective work is causing ongoing damage, such as a roof leak damaging interior finishes, you cannot simply let the damage accumulate. Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage while documenting the situation.
Not Filing Complaints with Licensing Boards
Some homeowners pursue only direct negotiation or litigation without filing complaints with the Contractor's Licensing Board. Licensing board complaints can pressure contractors to resolve disputes and can result in disciplinary action that protects future consumers. File complaints to create leverage and public records.
Accepting Verbal Promises to Fix Problems
Contractors who have already failed to perform often make verbal promises to return and fix problems but then fail to follow through. Do not rely on verbal assurances. Get any agreements to repair in writing, with specific timelines and consequences for failure to perform.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contractor Disputes in Charleston
Yes, South Carolina requires licensing for general contractors performing work over $5,000 and for mechanical contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) regardless of project size. Residential builders are licensed by the Residential Builders Commission, while general and mechanical contractors are licensed by the Contractor's Licensing Board. You can verify a contractor's license status through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website.
If a contractor abandons your project, document the current state of the work with photographs and a written description. Calculate what you have paid versus the value of work completed. Send a written demand via certified mail requiring the contractor to return within a specified period or refund overpayment. If the contractor does not respond, file complaints with the Contractor's Licensing Board and consider legal action. You may also need to hire another contractor to complete the work and pursue the original contractor for the additional costs.
Yes, you generally have the right to withhold payment for work that does not conform to contract specifications. However, you should document the defects thoroughly, provide written notice to the contractor explaining why you are withholding payment, and give the contractor an opportunity to correct the problems. If your contract includes specific payment terms or dispute resolution procedures, follow those requirements. Withholding payment without proper documentation and notice can complicate your legal position.
Under the South Carolina Homebuilders' Warranty Act (Section 40-59-810 et seq.), new homes carry implied warranties regardless of whether the builder provides written warranties. These include a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials, a two-year warranty on major systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, mechanical), and a five-year warranty on structural components. These warranties cannot be waived and provide important protections for new home buyers.
To file a complaint against a licensed contractor, contact the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Complaints can be filed online at llr.sc.gov. You will need to provide information about the contractor, describe the problems, and submit supporting documentation. The Board will investigate and can take disciplinary action including license suspension or revocation. For residential builders specifically, complaints go to the Residential Builders Commission.
A mechanic's lien is a legal claim against your property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who provided labor or materials for improvements but was not paid. Under South Carolina law (Section 29-5-10 et seq.), these parties can file liens even if you paid the general contractor, because subcontractors have independent lien rights. To protect yourself, obtain lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers as you make payments to the general contractor.
In a contractor dispute, you may recover the cost to complete or correct the work, the difference in value between what was promised and what was delivered, amounts paid for work not performed, consequential damages such as temporary housing costs during delays, and in some cases, attorney's fees. Under the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act, if the contractor engaged in unfair or deceptive practices, you may recover treble damages up to $5,000 plus attorney's fees.
If your contractor was required to be licensed but was not, you have enhanced remedies. Under South Carolina law, contracts made by unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable, meaning the contractor may not be able to sue you for payment. You may also have claims for fraud or unfair trade practices. Additionally, the contractor is subject to enforcement action by the Licensing Board. Verify license status early in any dispute.
What to Expect When Resolving Charleston Contractor Disputes
Charleston homeowners pursuing contractor disputes should have realistic expectations about the process and potential outcomes. Understanding typical scenarios can help you make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Many contractor disputes are resolved through direct negotiation after the homeowner provides formal written notice documenting the problems. Contractors who value their reputation and license status often prefer to resolve disputes rather than face complaints and litigation. When homeowners present clear documentation of deficiencies and reasonable demands for resolution, many contractors will perform corrective work or provide refunds to avoid escalation.
The involvement of the Contractor's Licensing Board can create significant pressure for resolution. Contractors facing license suspension or revocation have strong incentives to settle disputes. Filing a board complaint, or even threatening to do so, often prompts contractor responsiveness. However, the Board's primary role is disciplinary, not monetary recovery for consumers.
For disputes requiring litigation, Charleston County Magistrate Court handles claims up to $7,500. This forum is designed to be accessible to self-represented parties, though preparation is still essential. Cases typically reach hearing within 60 to 90 days of filing. For larger claims, Circuit Court proceedings are more complex and typically require attorney representation, with timelines extending to a year or more.
Recovery amounts in contractor disputes depend on the nature and extent of the contractor's failures. For incomplete work, homeowners typically recover the cost to complete the project minus any unpaid balance. For defective work, recovery equals the cost to correct the defects. If the contractor was paid more than the value of work completed, the overpayment is recoverable. Under the Unfair Trade Practices Act, treble damages up to $5,000 plus attorney's fees may be available for willful violations.
Settlement is common in contractor cases. Many contractors prefer to settle rather than face the uncertainty and reputation damage of litigation. Settlement amounts vary depending on the strength of the homeowner's documentation, the amounts at stake, and the contractor's ability to pay. Homeowners should evaluate settlement offers against potential recovery minus the costs and delays of continued litigation.
Collection can be challenging if the contractor lacks assets or insurance. Licensing board complaints may pressure contractors to pay but cannot compel payment. Court judgments can be collected through wage garnishment, bank levies, and liens on contractor property, but contractors with limited assets may be judgment-proof. Investigate the contractor's ability to pay before investing heavily in litigation.
Charleston Contractor Dispute Resources
Charleston homeowners pursuing contractor disputes have access to various state and local resources that can provide assistance, investigation, and enforcement support.
South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board
The Board licenses and regulates general contractors and investigates complaints. They can take disciplinary action against licensed contractors including fines, suspension, and revocation. Contact: LLR Contractor's Licensing Board, P.O. Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211; Phone: (803) 896-4686; Website: llr.sc.gov/clb
South Carolina Residential Builders Commission
Regulates residential builders specifically and handles complaints about new home construction. Contact: LLR Residential Builders Commission, P.O. Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211; Phone: (803) 896-4696; Website: llr.sc.gov/res
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
Handles consumer complaints about unfair business practices, including some contractor issues. Contact: 2221 Devine Street, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29205; Phone: (803) 734-4200; Toll-free: 1-800-922-1594; Website: consumer.sc.gov
Charleston County Building Inspection Services
For issues involving permit violations or code compliance, contact the county building department. They can identify code violations and may be able to assist with contractor compliance issues. Phone: (843) 202-6930.
City of Charleston Department of Codes Enforcement
For properties within Charleston city limits, codes enforcement handles permit and code violation complaints. Phone: (843) 724-3765.
Charleston County Magistrate Court
Handles civil claims up to $7,500, including contractor disputes. Contact: Charleston County Clerk of Court, (843) 958-5000.
Better Business Bureau of Coastal Carolina
Accepts complaints against contractors, facilitates dispute resolution, and maintains business ratings. Website: bbb.org/us/sc
Charleston County Bar Lawyer Referral Service
For homeowners seeking attorney representation, the bar association provides referrals to construction litigation attorneys. Contact: Charleston County Bar Association, (843) 722-6155.
South Carolina Legal Aid
Provides free legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents. May be able to assist with contractor disputes for eligible individuals. Phone: 1-888-346-5592; Website: sclegal.org
The Contractor Checkmate
Contract is King
Written agreement? Good. Verbal? Tougher, but texts and emails can help.
Document the Damage
Photos, videos, expert opinions. Every flaw is evidence.
Money Trail Matters
Payments, invoices, change orders… track every dollar.
The Contractor's Legal Nightmare
Many states require contractors to be licensed, and there can be serious penalties for unlicensed work or abandoning a project.
South Carolina Contractor Disputes Laws
Applicable Laws
- South Carolina Contractors Licensing
- SC Code § 40-11
Small Claims Limit
$7,500
Consumer Protection Agency
South Carolina LLR
Contractor Combat FAQ
When should I send a demand letter?
After reasonable attempts to resolve the issue directly fail. Give them a chance to fix problems, but don't wait indefinitely.
What if they're unlicensed?
That could be a major advantage. Many states void contracts with unlicensed contractors or allow full refund of payments made.
Can I withhold final payment for incomplete work?
Generally yes, especially if there's a written contract. Document the incomplete items and the amount you're withholding.
What if they filed a mechanic's lien?
You may still have claims against them. Dispute the lien if work wasn't completed satisfactorily. Consider consulting an attorney.
Should I get repair estimates from other contractors?
Yes. Independent estimates document the cost to fix problems and show what proper work should cost.
What about permits they never got?
Unpermitted work creates serious liability. The contractor may be required to obtain permits or undo work at their expense.
Can I recover more than my actual damages?
Often yes. Consumer protection laws may allow double or triple damages, plus attorney fees for contractor fraud or violations.
About FreeDemandLetter
FreeDemandLetter provides free, AI-powered demand letter generation with location-specific legal citations. Our content is reviewed by subject matter specialists and regularly updated to reflect current laws. We help thousands of people resolve disputes effectively—but we're not lawyers, and this isn't legal advice. For complex situations, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.