Construction Contract

[redwater7]

Back In August I payed a contractor to build me a garage. I signed a contract stating what the project was and how it was to e built. We had a verbal contract that work was to be complete in 3 weeks. The price total was 14500. This was broke into three payments. The first being 10000 for materials. The second being 2500 after the framing was complete. And the rest due at completion. I payed the contractor the 10000 to start. Work was very slow. after 2 months the framing was complete. I then payed him 2500 more to complete the garage. Weeks went by and he showed once or twice a week for 2 hours a time. When I confronted him he said he spent all my money and he couldnt finish til he did more jobs to buy materials. What are my legal options. I have paid 12500 for a garage that is 60% complete and he wont finish til spring.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

What is he doing until Spring? Not working? What is the hold up? That there aren't materials purchased yet the money was spent on something, e.g. other people's work? His new car? This isn't such a simple issue since there are a number of questions that need to be asked with regard to the law and also questions of whether you're better off getting him to finish instead of suing someone who can't pay you back.