How long does a licensed contractor have to finish a project?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How long does a licensed contractor have to finish a project?
How long do they have to finishfrom time of start date? The contract did not have a completion date written in it, though he verbally quoted 12 weeks.
Asked on September 16, 2012 under Business Law, Virginia
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If your written contract with your licensed contractor does not have a complete date, then under the laws of all states in this country the completion date is an ordinary reasonable date concerning the scope of the project within the custom and practice of the contracting industry where the project is.
If the contractor verbally quoted you 12 weeks from start to end of completion, then send him or her a letter memorializing the 12 week time period stating your intent that such completion date be honored. Keep a copy of the letter for future use and need.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The law does not set a definitive or definite time for completion. If there is no written agreement specifying a completion date, then--
1) An oral agreement or representation (promise) as to when the work would be done is enforceable in theory, though as practical matter, it can be very difficult to prove if the contractor does not support the date you recall; or
2) In the absence of even an oral agreement, the contractor would normally be expected to complete the work in "reasonable" amount of time for a project of this type and magnitude.
Note however that the contractor is not responsible for delays beyond his/her control--i.e. unexpectedly bad weather; the unavailability of needed materials or parts; etc.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.