Having problems with a contractor can be a frustrating experience. If you find yourself in this situation in Creek County, Oklahoma, it’s important to understand your rights and some of the strategies you can use to resolve the issue effectively. Here, we’ll discuss the steps you should take when dealing with these problems and how to prevent these issues.

Steps to Take When Facing Contractor Issues

If you’re dealing with contractor issue, including breach of contract, there are a few steps that you should take first before resorting to legal involvement.

1. Review the Contract: The first step is to thoroughly review the contract you have with them. Ensure you understand the scope of work, timelines, payment terms, and any warranties or guarantees provided. The contract is the foundational document that outlines the responsibilities of both parties.
2. Document the Issues: Keep detailed records of all the problems you’re encountering. This includes taking photographs of the substandard work, noting dates and times of conversations, and saving any correspondence with the contractor (emails, texts, letters).
3. Communicate Clearly: Contact the contractor to discuss the issues. Be clear and specific about the problems and how you expect the contractor to rectify them. It’s best to communicate in writing so you have a record of the conversation.
4. Provide an Opportunity to Fix the Problems: Allow the contractor a reasonable amount of time to address and fix the issues. Sometimes, problems arise from misunderstandings or minor errors that they can easily correct.
5. Check Licensing and Insurance: Verify that the contractor has their license and insurance in Oklahoma. You can find this information through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.

Many times, the issues are able to resolve themselves after following these steps.

Escalating the Issue

If initial attempts to resolve the problem directly with the contractor fail, you have several options to escalate the matter:

1. Mediation or Arbitration: Many contracts include clauses that require you to resolve disputes through mediation or arbitration rather than going to court. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps both sides reach a mutually agreeable solution. Arbitration is more formal and involves a neutral arbitrator who makes a binding decision.
2. File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board if the contractor is licensed. This board oversees contractor conduct and can impose penalties or take action against the contractor’s license.
3. Small Claims Court: For disputes involving smaller amounts of money (typically up to $10,000), you can file a claim in small claims court. This process is more accessible and less formal than higher courts, and it allows you to represent yourself.
4. Hire an Attorney: For more complex cases or larger amounts of money, it may be necessary to hire an attorney. A lawyer can provide advice, represent you, and take them to court to seek damages or enforcement of the contract.

While these actions should not be taken lightly, they may be necessary in some circumstances.

Preventing Contractor Issues

While it’s important to know how to address issues, you should take steps to prevent problems from arising:

1. Thorough Vetting: Before hiring a contractor, check their references, review past work, and ensure they are properly licensed and insured.
2. Detailed Contract: Make sure your contract is detailed and clear, outlining the scope of work, payment schedule, timelines, and any warranties.
3. Regular Inspections: Monitor the work as it progresses to catch and address any issues early.

Although this doesn’t guarantee that there will be no issues, they can usually help prevent them before they come up.

Creek County Breach Of Contract Attorneys

Problems with a Contractor in Creek County can make you want to scream. The issues can relate to quality problems or work that was promised but never done. Whether through direct communication, mediation, or legal action, there are multiple avenues available to ensure that you receive the quality of work you contracted for. If you need help enforcing your contract, the team at Kania Law – Creek County Attorneys can help you through the process and advocate for you. Call us at 918-209-3709 for a free and confidential consultation or ask a legal question here.