The Top Ways to Deal With Bad Contractor Work

December 21, 2023

stressed out female on laptop with papers and calculator

*Updated October 3rd, 2025

Hiring a contractor is supposed to take the stress off your plate—not add to it. Maybe they promised top-notch workmanship, showed you glowing online reviews, and had a portfolio that looked like it came straight from a magazine. But now that the job is done (or maybe not done), things don’t look anything like what you expected. Crooked tile? Shoddy paint job? A half-finished project that’s making you lose sleep? Yeah, we’ve heard it all.

Even if you did your homework—read reviews, checked licenses, and got references—a bad contractor situation can still happen. And if you’ve already paid them? Getting your money back isn’t always as simple as asking nicely. Unfortunately, many homeowners find themselves in the awkward position of having to push back, negotiate, or even take legal action to fix the situation when a contractor does poor work.

Don’t worry—we’re here to walk you through your options. From documenting the issues to getting outside help, here are tips for dealing with a contractor who leaves you with more headaches than home improvement.

What to Do If You’ve Been Burned by a Bad Contractor

So, the work is subpar, the timeline is a mess, and your contractor is either dodging your calls or brushing off your concerns. Now what? Before you panic, take a breath—you’ve got options. The steps below will help you document the problem, explore legal or financial recourse, and make sure you hold your contractor accountable. Here’s how to take control of the situation and start moving toward a resolution when a contractor does a bad job.

Get the Evidence

First, gather evidence of the contractor’s work and where it’s substandard. Take photos and videos before, during, and after the job. Save all texts, emails, and any verbal communication summaries. Create a folder with project details, materials ordered, and progress notes to keep records a judge, mediator, or insurer can understand.

You’ll also need proof of your agreements. Ideally, you got everything in writing. Your original contract, change orders, payment schedules, and scope help prove what was to be done correctly. If a contractor doesn’t follow the scope or causes damage, detailed records support your homeowner’s claim.

If you notice the shoddy work before the contractor is done, let the contractor know in writing and give them a chance to correct it. If the work is already done (and already paid), you’ll have less leverage, but you still have steps you can take.

File a Complaint or Claim

If your contractor is bonded or insured, file a complaint or claim with the surety bond or insurer. Ask whether the contractor is a licensed contractor and confirm coverage. Bond companies pursue repayment when a contractor fails to perform; many contractors are often more responsive when they realize a bond claim is coming.

Also consider filing with your state’s consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau. Posting fact-based reviews on review platforms like Angie’s List (Angi) can warn others—just stick to the facts: dates, scope, and the quality of work.

Contact the State & Licensing Board

If the contractor is licensed, notify the licensing board about substandard work or work performed without required permits. Many states require contractors to follow building codes and maintain bonds/insurance. Your state may offer mediation or arbitration resources to resolve issues with your contractor before court.

Consult an Attorney

If you have a strong paper trail and the contractor refuses to fix the problem, talk to a construction attorney. They can advise on mediation, arbitration, or taking the contractor to civil court or small claims for breach of contract. Depending on damages, you might need to get a third-party inspection to document defects and cost-to-repair estimates from a good contractor or remodeler.

If your contract includes a dispute resolution clause, follow it. In some cases, an attorney letter alone is enough to turn your project around.

Manage Subcontractors & Payments

If subcontractors are on the job, clarify who hired them—the general contractor or you. Confirm lien releases before final payment to protect your property due to potential liens. Avoid paying 100% upfront; instead, tie payments to milestones completed to your satisfaction. If a contractor is truly failing, you might need to get bids from a local contractor, handyman, or general contractor to fix the work; sometimes you’ll need to hire someone else to finish the home renovation or remodeling project.

Communicate Clearly—Then Escalate

Start by discuss your concerns in writing and give a clear deadline for the contractor to correct the work. Reference the original contract and photos; keep your tone professional. Offer a chance to respond, propose a walkthrough, and document outcomes. If the contractor still won’t act, escalate to bonds, insurers, regulators, and, if needed, filing a lawsuit.

How to Prevent Issues Next Time

  • Get at least one quote? Get three. Compare scope, materials, and timelines to select the right contractor.

  • Verify license, bond, and insurance; ask who the subcontractor team will be.

  • Specify materials/brands and workmanship standards in writing.

  • Include a clear payment schedule tied to inspections and milestones.

  • Add a punch-list process and warranty language so the contractor must fix defects.

  • Confirm whether the contract includes mediation or arbitration.

  • Check online reviews across platforms and call references to verify experience with the contractor on similar home improvement projects.

If You Feel the Contractor Ripped You Off

When you suspect fraud or deliberate misrepresentation, gather your file and consider reporting to your local consumer protection office, the state licensing board, or the attorney general. Document any subpar or substandard outcomes, especially if safety is involved or if the contractor worked while unregistered. If safety is compromised, stop work and bring in a good contractor to assess and secure the site.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a bad contractor is frustrating and stressful, but you’re not powerless. By documenting everything, knowing your rights, and using the right channels—bond/insurance claims, state agencies, and legal options—you can protect your interests and pursue recourse when a contractor does a bad job. Whether you file a complaint, seek mediation, or escalate to court, there are concrete steps you can take. And next time, with tighter contracts and better vetting, you’ll be set up to avoid potential issues and work with a good contractor who gets your construction project completed to your satisfaction.

Additional Home Improvement Resources