When you hire a contractor for a project, you enter into a contract with them. This contract spells out the terms and conditions of the project, including the timeline, scope of work, and payment. Unfortunately, not all contractors abide by their contracts, leaving you with a breach of contract situation. So what can you do if a contractor breaches a contract?
First, it`s important to review the contract and determine the specifics of the breach. This will help you understand the severity of the breach and the remedies available to you. This could include anything from incomplete work or missed deadlines to substandard workmanship or outright failure to perform.
Next, it`s important to communicate with the contractor to try to resolve the issue. Start by sending a written notice of breach of contract, outlining the specific issues and requesting a resolution. This notice should include a deadline for the contractor to respond and a warning of legal action if the breach is not remediated.
If the contractor does not respond or fails to remedy the breach, it may be time to pursue legal action. This could include mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Mediation involves a neutral third party helping both parties come to a resolution, while arbitration involves an arbitrator making a binding decision. Litigation involves taking the dispute to court.
When pursuing legal action, it`s important to have all relevant documents, including the contract, the notice of breach, and any other correspondence or evidence of the breach. It`s also important to work with an attorney who specializes in contract law.
In addition to legal action, you can also take steps to protect yourself from future breaches. This could include adding specific clauses to your contracts, such as requiring the contractor to obtain certain licenses or providing for liquidated damages in the event of a breach.
Overall, the best way to handle a breached contract is to be proactive and communicate with the contractor to try to resolve the issue. If that fails, pursuing legal action may be necessary to protect your rights and ensure you receive the work you paid for.