What to Do When Your Contractor Is Performing Poorly During a Remodel

🚧 Remodeling your home should be exciting. It should be a transformation full of possibilities, but when your contractor stops meeting expectations, that excitement can quickly turn to frustration. Missed deadlines, sloppy work, lack of communication-sound familiar?

If you’re dealing with a contractor who’s underperforming, you’re not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the situation with confidence and protect your investment.

1. Document Everything

Start keeping a detailed log of:

    •    Missed deadlines

    •    Incomplete or poor-quality work

    •    Unanswered emails or texts

    •    Conversations and agreements

Take photos of substandard work and keep copies of all correspondence. Documentation is your strongest ally if legal action or formal complaints become necessary.

2. Revisit the Contract

Pull out the signed agreement. Look for:

    •    Scope of work

    •    Payment schedule

    •    Timeline

    •    Terms for delays or termination

If the contractor is not meeting contractual obligations, you have a solid foundation to hold them accountable.

3. Communicate Concerns Directly

Before jumping to conclusions, speak up. A calm, direct conversation can sometimes fix the issue.

Try saying:

“I’ve noticed some areas of concern with the work quality and timeline. Can we schedule a time to walk through everything and clarify next steps?”

Be respectful, but firm. This puts the ball in their court while showing you’re paying attention.

4. Pause Payments (If Needed)

Never pay in full before the work is complete. If your contractor isn’t meeting expectations, you’re well within your rights to withhold final payments until the issues are resolved. This often motivates action.

💡 Pro Tip: Only pay for completed and approved milestones — not promises.

5. Bring in a Third Party

If progress stalls or quality dips further:

    •    Hire a home inspector or another licensed contractor to review the work

    •    Request a written report detailing flaws or safety concerns

This can help build your case and give you unbiased clarity on what’s truly wrong.

6. Issue a Formal Warning or “Notice of Default”

If communication and inspections don’t fix things, it may be time to send a written notice:

“As per our contract dated [insert date], you are in default due to [list issues]. If not corrected by [set a deadline], I reserve the right to terminate the agreement and seek remedies.”

You can do this yourself or through an attorney.

7. Know When to Walk Away

If your contractor continues to underperform or becomes hostile, it may be safest — and more cost-effective — to cut ties. Be sure to:

    •    Document termination

    •    Stop any future payments

    •    Notify your local licensing board or Better Business Bureau

In some cases, small claims court or insurance claims (if bonded) may help you recover costs.

8. Learn for Next Time

A bad contractor experience is never your fault — but it’s also a powerful lesson. Moving forward:

    •    Always check references

    •    Use detailed contracts

    •    Include a penalty clause for delays or poor workmanship

    •    Consider hiring a project manager or designer to oversee execution

It’s hard to stand your ground when your home is torn apart and tensions are high — but you’re not powerless. Being proactive, organized, and assertive can often shift the dynamic and save your remodel from disaster.

And remember: You deserve quality work and respect in your own home.

Love,

Lindsay