Hiring a contractor is a big step when you’re remodeling your kitchen, repairing your roof, or making other improvements to your home. Most contractors do good work, but sometimes things go wrong — and not just a minor mistake. If the work is careless or unsafe, and it damages your home or creates a hazard, you may have a negligence claim. Here are the steps every homeowner should take.
- Gather Evidence
Start by documenting the problem. Take plenty of photos and videos of the work that looks sloppy, incomplete, or dangerous. Keep copies of your contract, estimates, invoices, and any texts or emails with the contractor. The more records you have, the easier it is to prove what happened later.
- Re-Read Your Contract
Contracts may feel like fine print, but they’re important. They spell out what the contractor promised to do. Look for details about warranties, timelines, and how disputes are supposed to be handled. If the contractor clearly failed to do what was agreed, that helps strengthen your claim.
- Get a Second Opinion
Sometimes it takes another professional to explain what went wrong. Consider hiring an independent inspector, contractor, or engineer to look at the work. They can put in writing whether the job was done incorrectly and how it should have been done. This type of report carries a lot of weight.
- Put Your Complaint in Writing
Before going to court, give your contractor the chance to make things right. Send them a clear written notice of the problems, along with photos or reports. Ask for repairs or reimbursement by a specific deadline. Even if they refuse, your letter shows you tried to resolve the problem fairly.
- Know Your Legal Options
If the contractor won’t cooperate, you may need to take legal action. Small claims court can handle disputes under a certain dollar amount, while larger cases go to state court. To prove negligence, you’ll need to show the contractor didn’t do the work with reasonable care and that this caused damage to your home. Sometimes you can also claim breach of contract or violations of consumer protection laws.
- Talk to a Lawyer
Every case is different, and time limits for filing a claim can be short. A lawyer experienced in construction or consumer law can explain your rights, help you understand what damages you can recover, and guide you on the best next steps.
Bottom Line
If your contractor’s work damaged your home because of negligence, don’t ignore it. Document the problem, review your contract, get expert advice, and put your complaint in writing. If the contractor won’t fix things, speaking with a lawyer can help you protect your investment and get the fair outcome you deserve.