It would seem as if there is far more than a sufficient amount of money at stake -- in terms of the liens against your homes and the potential charge for the contractor's legal fees -- for the homeowners to chip in and retain a lawyer to advise the group and represent your interests. Whether there is or should be a claim against the homeowners association's management company, the contractor, your insurance carriers, etc. is something a qualified lawyer should be able to figure out rather quickly. Right now you are all flying blind and alone, and acting collectively is the first step in finding an appropriate solution.