I hired a general contractor to handle a water damage rebuild, and I've been good about making payments on time, often even ahead of schedule. Now, we have a punch list of unfinished items and some damage caused by their crew that still needs to be addressed. They claim the job is done and are demanding the final payment of $6k, but they haven't completed the punch list. I have the contract, proof of payments, and the punch list ready. What steps should I take next? Should I talk to a lawyer, or maybe file a complaint with the licensing board? Any practical advice would be really appreciated.
2 Answers
You definitely want to hold off on that final payment until the punch list is completed. A responsible contractor knows this is the standard protocol. Just keep it straightforward when communicating – let them know, "I’ll pay as soon as everything on the punch list is finished." If you have a digital copy of the punch list, resend it every time they ask about the payment.
Absolutely, don’t pay up until the work is done. It's like the golden rule in these situations: the one with the money makes the rules. Stick to your guns and keep saying, "Payment will be sent right after the punch list is complete". Also, make sure to do everything through email; that way you have a solid paper trail if things get messy.
Yeah, that paper trail is super important. Makes everything clearer if you need to escalate things.