Can I sue my contractor?

[shawnpark]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I have a contract with a renovator to renovate my house. The total contract amount was $27K. I gave him $17K deposit. Although everything was verbally agreed to be finished by 9/30...the contract only states "Construction Date - 9/30". He kept coercing me into giving him more money, otherwise he would walk off the job. I refused to give him anything, especially when all he did was take down a couple walls and put up some new drywall. He usually comes in sporadically every now and then to do a little bit. Now, we're in October and the house is far from being complete. He says that "construction date" means when he begins and there's no real set deadline.... What can I do???

[Cedrus]

Was this a licensed contractor? If so contact the CSLB for help. Was there a written contract or was everything verbal? CA law limits the down payment to a contractor to 10%.

[JETX]

Originally Posted by shawnpark

What can I do???

RIGHT NOW... start preparing for a lawsuit. Make sure you have copies of ALL communication. Print out emails. Take pictures/video of everything.
Then, RUN (don't walk) to a local attorney.

You have allowed yourself to be put in this position by your own ignorance (and likely, greed). Now you will have to spend some money trying to FIX the problem you created.

[John Se]

Consider that first, you paid too much up front, no incentive left, all profits have been spent. Does this guy look like he has money, do you know where he lives? does he own his own house? at this point only the persons integrity will make him finish your job.

and lawyers cost....alot....alot more than construction trades. consider that