I hired a contractor back in September and we signed a contract with an agreed estimate. I paid him half the project cost in October, but after delays getting permits, he only started the work in January. He then demanded the next payment (25%), even though he wasn't halfway done as stated in the contract. I felt pressured to pay him or risk him leaving the project. Things have escalated; he's constantly asking for more money, yelling at me, and I've heard he doesn't even pay his workers. Now he wants to exclude a major part of the project from the final payment and only offers a small discount, which I don't think is right since it's all documented in our contract. Can I get another estimate for that excluded work and deduct it from his final payment? I'm really at my wits' end.
3 Answers
It’s not uncommon for contractors to try tricks like this. Manage your expectations and don’t be afraid to assert yourself. If he doesn't comply, consider finding someone else to finish the job while seeking legal advice.
You should definitely consider consulting a lawyer about your situation. You have a contract, and if he’s not holding up his end, you might have grounds for legal action against him.
I wouldn’t pay him anything more until he finishes the work as agreed. It sounds like he’s not being professional and may be trying to scam you. Just hold your ground and don’t give in to his pressure.