Dealing With Contractors

Hiring Workers in Your Home: Legal Requirements

Understand your responsibilities under federal and state law when hiring a nanny, housekeeper, gardener, or handyperson to work on your property.

Contractor Does Lousy Work, Files Mechanics' Lien for Nonpayment: Now What?

You say the contractor doesn't deserve payment, but now the contractor has put a lien on your house: What's next?

Worker Injured During Homebuilding Project: Who Pays?

If you don't take steps to find out in advance whether workers in your home are insured for injuries, you could end up having to cover medical and other costs.

My Home Contractor Isn't Finishing the Job: What Can I Do?

When a remodeling or construction project is delayed long-term because of the contractor's inaction, what can a homeowner do?

Should I Take My Home Contractor to Small Claims Court?

A small claims court judge can't order a home contractor to finish a job, but can award monetary damages.

My Contractor Is Charging Way More Than Estimated: What Can I Do?

Although an estimate is not a contract, careful review of your contractor's final invoice should turn up information about whether the final price was fair.

Without a Written Contract With My Home Contractor, Can I Sue?

Taking legal action against a home contractor on the basis of an oral agreement.

How to Prove to Small Claims Judge That Home Contractor Messed Up

Photos, copies of correspondence, and affidavits from witnesses are among the types of evidence that a small claims judge will want to see if you're suing a home contractor over substandard work.