HELP! Contractor Woes on my first investment property!

Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes

Hi All,

My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

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Chris SeveneyBusiness Member

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Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes

@Katelynn Malivert

1. File a complaint with credit card company immediately. Typically they will refund you the money and tell them you paid for work and they didn’t complete it (assuming that is the case) and tell them every attempt to co tact and last time you contacted

2. Were they licensed? If so file a complaint with the local licensing board

That is where I would start.

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Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
Moderator
Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
2y
@Katelynn Malivert
1. File a complaint with credit card company immediately. Typically they will refund you the money and tell them you paid for work and they didn’t complete it (assuming that is the case) and tell them every attempt to co tact and last time you contacted
2. Were they licensed? If so file a complaint with the local licensing board
That is where I would start.
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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
2y
What @Chris Seveney said above^^....
Also, how far ahead are they? Meaning how much of the $36,000 have they actually earned? Hopefully you are fairly even? And they had better be licensed or else you have little recourse.
If you do not get any action quickly, I would contact the local DAs office. This could be construed as fraud and/or theft.
I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but obviously everyone should check License/insurance/Bond/Workers Comp/Etc before entering into a contract with any Contractor.
And what does your Contract say about this situation? That is a legal and enforceable document, and all entities like Lic Board, DAs office or Small Claims will want to see a legal contract.....You do have one right?
1 Reply
Steven Goldman
Lender · PA · Member since 2019 · 535 posts · 461 votes
2y
Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Hi All,
My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

Unfortunately this is a very common problem. I think you can come to the conclusion that the contractor is not going to finish your project. So you must act on two paths. First, as was previously suggested, try to reclaim money form your credit card companies. Also, contact your local law enforcement department or local prosecutors office. Many states have adopted laws specifically for contractor fraud. While one hopes that might mitigate some of your loss, you still need to finish your project.
Please do not consider this piling on just constructive criticism. You should not be rehabbing a property from your credit cards. The interest is too expensive. Also, when you go to refinance your high DTI and credit card balances kill your credit score. I would immediately convert your adjusted credit card balances to a fixed rate personal 5 year loan. That helps your credit and stops the bleeding.
Now you need to take stock of what is required to complete your construction project. Once you have a good estimate of the expenses you should prepare a scope of work and ask contractors to bid on them. Do not take the cheapest take the best price from a well qualified contractor. You may have to get a second personal loan or some other type of loan to complete the job. When you are finished you can try to roll up as much of the loan balances into a new mortgage but you are definitely going to pay the price for your bad contractor decision. Sorry look at it as a great learning experience and do not repeat the mistake when you do your next project.
6 Reply
Alan F.
Flipper/Rehabber · CA · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Hi All,
My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

All of the advice in the previous comments are great actionable items. Many people here in the forum want to help your investing be as successful as possible. 1 thing to note; if you post what state it's in, there may be more specific information we can provide. I'm sorry you're going through this, and really hope things work out for you
2 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Chris Seveney:

@Katelynn Malivert
1. File a complaint with credit card company immediately. Typically they will refund you the money and tell them you paid for work and they didn’t complete it (assuming that is the case) and tell them every attempt to co tact and last time you contacted
2. Were they licensed? If so file a complaint with the local licensing board
That is where I would start.
Thank you. I am in the state of OH. Which doesn’t require contractors to be licensed, needless to say, I do not believe the contractor is licensed. My significant other did the vetting.
0 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

What @Chris Seveney said above^^....
Also, how far ahead are they? Meaning how much of the $36,000 have they actually earned? Hopefully you are fairly even? And they had better be licensed or else you have little recourse.
If you do not get any action quickly, I would contact the local DAs office. This could be construed as fraud and/or theft.
I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but obviously everyone should check License/insurance/Bond/Workers Comp/Etc before entering into a contract with any Contractor.
And what does your Contract say about this situation? That is a legal and enforceable document, and all entities like Lic Board, DAs office or Small Claims will want to see a legal contract.....You do have one right?

Thank you for your advice. The renovations are probably 25% complete. Basically they did demolition, some dry wall and electric and very little tiling (renovations were for bathroom, kitchen, flooring, and basement). Unfortunately, our contract did not include the repercussions if the job was not completed.I plan on contacting my CC company today.
3 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Steven Goldman:

Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Hi All,
My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

Unfortunately this is a very common problem. I think you can come to the conclusion that the contractor is not going to finish your project. So you must act on two paths. First, as was previously suggested, try to reclaim money form your credit card companies. Also, contact your local law enforcement department or local prosecutors office. Many states have adopted laws specifically for contractor fraud. While one hopes that might mitigate some of your loss, you still need to finish your project.
Please do not consider this piling on just constructive criticism. You should not be rehabbing a property from your credit cards. The interest is too expensive. Also, when you go to refinance your high DTI and credit card balances kill your credit score. I would immediately convert your adjusted credit card balances to a fixed rate personal 5 year loan. That helps your credit and stops the bleeding.
Now you need to take stock of what is required to complete your construction project. Once you have a good estimate of the expenses you should prepare a scope of work and ask contractors to bid on them. Do not take the cheapest take the best price from a well qualified contractor. You may have to get a second personal loan or some other type of loan to complete the job. When you are finished you can try to roll up as much of the loan balances into a new mortgage but you are definitely going to pay the price for your bad contractor decision. Sorry look at it as a great learning experience and do not repeat the mistake when you do your next project.

Thank you, I appreciate your advice. I actually do not have any interest on the CCs that I used for this project. That is why I used a CC anticipating a situation like this. But I understand your rationale. Where can I bid for contractors ? I am located in OH.
0 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Alan F.:

Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Hi All,
My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

All of the advice in the previous comments are great actionable items. Many people here in the forum want to help your investing be as successful as possible. 1 thing to note; if you post what state it's in, there may be more specific information we can provide. I'm sorry you're going through this, and really hope things work out for you
Thanks Alan, I didn’t post the city or state as I was afraid that the contractor may be able to identify me by the post (and he still has access to the property- we are changing that asap) This contractor also does his own flips. However, I’m located in Cincinnati, OH. Thanks for your response.
2 Reply
Alan F.
Flipper/Rehabber · CA · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Quote from @Chris Seveney:

@Katelynn Malivert
1. File a complaint with credit card company immediately. Typically they will refund you the money and tell them you paid for work and they didn’t complete it (assuming that is the case) and tell them every attempt to co tact and last time you contacted
2. Were they licensed? If so file a complaint with the local licensing board
That is where I would start.
Thank you. I am in the state of OH. Which doesn’t require contractors to be licensed, needless to say, I do not believe the contractor is licensed. My significant other did the vetting.

I did a little surfing & it does seem OCILB doesn't have licensing requirements for residential. Other searches mentioned licensing at the municipal level & possible bonding requirements. If possible double check at your local level. If permits were pulled that may also have pertinence to your goals.
1 Reply
Alan F.
Flipper/Rehabber · CA · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Quote from @Alan F.:

Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Hi All,
My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

All of the advice in the previous comments are great actionable items. Many people here in the forum want to help your investing be as successful as possible. 1 thing to note; if you post what state it's in, there may be more specific information we can provide. I'm sorry you're going through this, and really hope things work out for you
Thanks Alan, I didn’t post the city or state as I was afraid that the contractor may be able to identify me by the post (and he still has access to the property- we are changing that asap) This contractor also does his own flips. However, I’m located in Cincinnati, OH. Thanks for your response.

Im surfing for some more info lol. As Chris mentioned, if possible, get the cc company to help out. Hopefully some experienced Ohio flippers will jump in too. Hang in there
1 Reply
Alan F.
Flipper/Rehabber · CA · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Quote from @Alan F.:

Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Hi All,
My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

All of the advice in the previous comments are great actionable items. Many people here in the forum want to help your investing be as successful as possible. 1 thing to note; if you post what state it's in, there may be more specific information we can provide. I'm sorry you're going through this, and really hope things work out for you
Thanks Alan, I didn’t post the city or state as I was afraid that the contractor may be able to identify me by the post (and he still has access to the property- we are changing that asap) This contractor also does his own flips. However, I’m located in Cincinnati, OH. Thanks for your response.

Ohio consumer protection has a toll free #, it's on their website. Also make sure you keep every single bit of documentation. Moving forward no verbal communication just written.
2 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Alan F.:

Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Quote from @Alan F.:

Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Hi All,
My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

All of the advice in the previous comments are great actionable items. Many people here in the forum want to help your investing be as successful as possible. 1 thing to note; if you post what state it's in, there may be more specific information we can provide. I'm sorry you're going through this, and really hope things work out for you
Thanks Alan, I didn’t post the city or state as I was afraid that the contractor may be able to identify me by the post (and he still has access to the property- we are changing that asap) This contractor also does his own flips. However, I’m located in Cincinnati, OH. Thanks for your response.

Ohio consumer protection has a toll free #, it's on their website. Also make sure you keep every single bit of documentation. Moving forward no verbal communication just written.

Thank you, I will call!
1 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Alan F.:

Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Quote from @Chris Seveney:

@Katelynn Malivert
1. File a complaint with credit card company immediately. Typically they will refund you the money and tell them you paid for work and they didn’t complete it (assuming that is the case) and tell them every attempt to co tact and last time you contacted
2. Were they licensed? If so file a complaint with the local licensing board
That is where I would start.
Thank you. I am in the state of OH. Which doesn’t require contractors to be licensed, needless to say, I do not believe the contractor is licensed. My significant other did the vetting.

I did a little surfing & it does seem OCILB doesn't have licensing requirements for residential. Other searches mentioned licensing at the municipal level & possible bonding requirements. If possible double check at your local level. If permits were pulled that may also have pertinence to your goals.

Thank you! I will double check. The contractor did say he was bonded and insured but I will need to triple check that.
1 Reply
Julien J.
Investor · CO · Member since 2016 · 757 posts · 1k+ votes
2y
@Katelynn Malivert

@Chris Seveney has great advice. Move fast and cut your losses if you have to. The longer you wait, the more expense it gets.
5 Reply
Jonathan R McLaughlin
Rental Property Investor · Boston, Massachusetts (MA) · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
2y
when you stop the relationship, don't fall into the trap of letting him go back to work on the project. I have seen it a bunch where people try and get them to come back in hopes of things getting better instead of pulling the plug. The money you spent is a sunk cost.
A little good news here is that it sounds like you are in a spot where someone can pick up the job without having to undo things.
2 Reply
Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Jonathan R McLaughlin:

when you stop the relationship, don't fall into the trap of letting him go back to work on the project. I have seen it a bunch where people try and get them to come back in hopes of things getting better instead of pulling the plug. The money you spent is a sunk cost.
A little good news here is that it sounds like you are in a spot where someone can pick up the job without having to undo things.

!st paragraph = good advice...
2nd paragraph: I don't know what the permit situation is in Ohio, but if there are open Permits, they will need to be closed out. Some Contractors do not want to take on the liability of someone else's work....

@Katelynn Malivert No you do not want to 'settle this amicably'. Someone just stole $36,000 from you. Get tough and I mean right now...

4 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

Quote from @Jonathan R McLaughlin:

when you stop the relationship, don't fall into the trap of letting him go back to work on the project. I have seen it a bunch where people try and get them to come back in hopes of things getting better instead of pulling the plug. The money you spent is a sunk cost.
A little good news here is that it sounds like you are in a spot where someone can pick up the job without having to undo things.

!st paragraph = good advice...
2nd paragraph: I don't know what the permit situation is in Ohio, but if there are open Permits, they will need to be closed out. Some Contractors do not want to take on the liability of someone else's work....

@Katelynn Malivert No you do not want to 'settle this amicably'. Someone just stole $36,000 from you. Get tough and I mean right now...

Thanks Bruce! I will check to see if there are any open permits for sure. This whole process is certainly thickening my skin!
4 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Jonathan R McLaughlin:

when you stop the relationship, don't fall into the trap of letting him go back to work on the project. I have seen it a bunch where people try and get them to come back in hopes of things getting better instead of pulling the plug. The money you spent is a sunk cost.
A little good news here is that it sounds like you are in a spot where someone can pick up the job without having to undo things.

Great point Jonathan, thank you!
2 Reply
Jonathan R McLaughlin
Rental Property Investor · Boston, Massachusetts (MA) · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
2y
Bruce is right: by pick up the job I meant it seemed like things were in the demo/opened up stage and someone could inspect and triage without having to undo too much work. @Bruce Woodruff don’t know the local rules at all, but hoping an inspector at this stage could give a go ahead or remove to a second contractor?

2 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Hi All,
My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!
UPDATE!!!!
Thanks to those that responded to this post and gave advice! I appreciate everyone’s input. I just wanted to let everyone know that after sending in all the documentation to my bank, I received full credit of every penny I spent with this contractor con artist! Four days before Christmas, and during the investigation period, the contractor’s employee attempted to break in to my unit with a copied key! We had a new door installed, locks changed and security cameras in place once we realized we were being ripped off by the contractor. I sent still images of the video of the guy to our bank as additional evidence. Needless to say, we tried to file a police report but the police weren’t helpful at all. We are still taking this up with the Ohio DA. As of now, we are breaking up our projects and only hiring LICENSED contractors (also doing a lot more research). I am also happy I chose to pay the contractor with my CCs (that are interest free) because if I paid cash I would have to go through litigation in attempts to get my money back (which is not guaranteed and very costly!). That’s the silver lining in this debacle. I just wanted to give a small update,

Thanks again BP community.

8 Reply
Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
2y
Congrats! Yes. always hire only licensed Contractors (if required by state law) and vette the heck out of them. Also make sure you have a very thorough Scope Of Work and an ironclad and state legal Contract....
2 Reply
Tracy Ross
Member since 2022 · 75 posts · 73 votes
2y
I agree with @Chris Seveney. And potentially look into hiring a real estate attorney who can at first send a letter to the contractor threatening to file suit. If that doesn't get him moving then at least you have someone on retainer in case you need to follow through.
0 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Yes! Ohio doesn’t require contractors to be licensed but moving forward I will only work with licensed contractors (even if it is not a state requirement). Thank you!
0 Reply
Katelynn Malivert
OP
Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 34 votes
2y
Quote from @Tracy Ross:

I agree with @Chris Seveney. And potentially look into hiring a real estate attorney who can at first send a letter to the contractor threatening to file suit. If that doesn't get him moving then at least you have someone on retainer in case you need to follow through.
Yes, we actually did contact a lawyer and it would have costed us $2500 just to send out a demand letter. Because this was blatant fraud, we highly doubted the contractor would be spooked enough to pay up. We deemed it would’ve been a waste of resources. However, if we weren’t lucky enough to recoup our expenses from our CC company we were definitely prepared to follow through with litigation but that was our last resort as it would’ve been timely and costly. Luckily for us, our CC company paid us back every dollar that was paid to this contractor.
2 Reply
Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Katelynn Malivert:

Hi All,
My significant other and I recently bought a duplex with the intention of house hacking back in August of this year. We knew that the unit we were going to occupy needed significant renovations. After interviewing several contractors in our area, we thought we chose the best fit. We were terribly wrong. In the beginning, the contractor was very responsive and attentive to our requests. He said he was going to have our renovations done by the end of October 2023 (he started in Sept). Instead, he has been dragging his feet, dodging our calls and honestly has stopped working on the unit all together. I have already incrementally paid him a total of 36k (w/ credit card) and I don’t know what to do. At this point, I’m considering disputing some of the payments with my bank as he has not provided the agreed upon services. We want to settle this amicably but at the moment this contractor isn’t picking up our calls. As you can imagine, we are racking up expenses as we have to rent elsewhere because the unit is uninhabitable. I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

I would have fired the contractor after the first couple times that he was slacking. You guys dragged it too much. But it is okay because it is your first deal. Find a new contractor. Look in real estate facebook groups from contractors, hvac, etc in your city.
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