Request for Legal Advice Regarding Negligent Contractor Work

[Chinmay Patel]

I am seeking legal advice regarding significant issues caused by negligent and substandard work performed by a general contractor (GC) on a single-family home I purchased last year. I engaged a local property management firm to oversee the rehabilitation and rental of the property, and they recommended the GC. While substantial work was completed, the plumbing-related work has resulted in costly damages due to the GC’s negligence. To provide context, I invested a considerable amount to make the property rent-ready. However, the GC’s poor workmanship has led to multiple issues, summarized below:

1. Master Bathroom Shower: The GC’s crew installed a new shower pan over the existing one instead of demolishing and replacing it as agreed. This improper installation caused the initial inspection to fail. The GC charged additional fees to “correct” the work, but merely covered up the old pan, leading to water leakage into the basement and mold growth. The resulting damage required repairs costing over $3,500.
2. Sewer Line Replacement: During the shower remodel, broken tile pieces and debris from the GC’s work were found clogging the sewer line, necessitating a complete replacement at a cost of over $3,900.
3. Additional Issues: Poor workmanship also led to defective toilet installation and a leaking kitchen sink, further increasing repair expenses.

In total, the GC’s negligence has cost me over $10,000 in repairs and corrective work, in addition to the original rehabilitation costs. I believe there is sufficient evidence of the GC’s substandard work to support a claim. Could anyone advise the legal recourse available to recover these costs? Additionally, I would appreciate recommendations for a qualified attorney who specializes in construction disputes to assist with this matter. Thank you for your guidance.