We hired a contractor to put pavers on our backyard patio for $3k, and so far, we've paid $600 for work that's about 60-70% complete. He leveled and laid the road base, installed the decomposed granite, and put down the pavers, but he hasn't compacted them or finished the edges, and he was supposed to install concrete steps. Today, he was supposed to come in for more work, but he was involved in a serious car accident due to what sounds like brake failure and was arrested because the property owner is pressing charges. I feel bad about the situation but am also concerned about the job and what to do next, especially if he can't complete it. Should I compensate him for the work done if we end up needing another contractor?
1 Answer
It sounds like a rough situation for everyone involved. If he's not able to finish the job, definitely look into compensating him for the materials he used and maybe a fair amount for the labor already put in. Given the circumstances, it's reasonable to wait a bit and see if he can get out of jail and come back to work. If not, you may need to find someone else to pick up where he left off. Just make sure you document everything and gather all the details you can before making any decisions. Hang in there!
Yeah, waiting a little longer for more info is smart. It’s tough because you want to be fair, but also protect your investment!