Do Ihave to pay my contractor for substandard and incomplete work?

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Do Ihave to pay my contractor for substandard and incomplete work?

What will happen if I don’t?

Asked on June 30, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Ohio

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

You should consult with an attorney; this could get messy.

If the contractor does not complete his work, you don't have to pay for the incomplete part--though you likely need to be pay for the part that was done, and determing the exact dividing line, if the contractor challenges you, will require litigation (going to court).

If the work is substandard, you may not have to pay for it, or at least may be able to either pay a reduced amount or receive compensation for the cost of hiring someone else to set it right. But assuming the contractor and you can't work out something mutually agreeable, you'll end up in court--either you suing him for damages or a refund, or him suing you to try to get the money he thinks you owe him.


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