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If you’re not happy with the work done by your contractor San Antonio, there are a few things you can do to resolve your dispute. First, you should try to resolve the issue amicably before taking legal action.
However, if you’re not able to settle the dispute with your contractor, you may need to file a lawsuit in Small Claims Court. This can be expensive, and it can expose your business to the negative press.
1. Talk to Your Contractor
Disputes with your contractor are a common occurrence on home improvement projects. They can cause a project to stall, costing you time and money.
The best way to avoid a dispute is to hire a licensed contractor who has been properly vetted and screened. This will also ensure you are protected should something go wrong.
If you do have a dispute with your contractor, it is important to communicate with them in a respectful and reasonable manner. This will help you better understand what is causing the problem and will help both parties work toward an acceptable resolution.
You may be able to resolve the dispute through negotiation, mediation or arbitration. These methods are less expensive and can be a great first step to take before considering legal action.
2. Ask for a Written Statement of Work
One of the best ways to handle a dispute with your contractor is to ask for a written statement of work. This should outline their work scope, timeline and price. It should also include a cancellation provision.
Having this information in writing ensures that everyone is on the same page. It also protects you if things go wrong.
Take note of any mistakes and any problems that they didn’t fix. This can help you when you’re confronting your contractor or when you’re trying to win in court.
Another way to protect yourself is to make sure your San Antonio general contractors are licensed and insured. This will help you avoid lawsuits and keep everyone safe.
If you’re still not satisfied, write a demand letter asking them to correct any issues within a certain amount of time or terminate the contract. Make sure you save a copy of the letter as evidence and mail it certified.
3. Negotiate
If you have a dispute with your contractor, it is important to keep the lines of communication open and try to resolve it before you take any other action. This is the most effective way to avoid costly legal proceedings and preserve your relationship with your contractor.
If you’re unable to resolve your dispute through negotiation, mediation or arbitration is usually an option. These are less expensive than court action and often bring a quicker resolution. Mediation is a process where you and your contractor meet with a neutral third party who helps to resolve the issue.
4. File a Lawsuit
If you believe that your contractor has breached your contract and failed to perform their contractual obligations, there are several ways to resolve the issue. The first option is negotiation, which requires that you and your contractor work out the problem through conversation.
The second option is mediation, which involves bringing in a third party to help resolve the dispute. If you can’t reach an agreement, then arbitration or litigation may be the next step.
However, before you file a lawsuit against your contractor, be sure to collect evidence to support your case. This can include emails, text messages, photos of your home before and after construction, and any other written contracts.
You also have to consider that filing a lawsuit is not free in Texas, and your county may have limitations on the amount of money you can recover from your contractor. In general, if you’re seeking more than $20,000, you should consider a different court.