Hiring a Contractor for Home Improvements

Take these steps to find and hire the right home improvement contractor.

Will Your Contractor Pull the Right Permits for Your Home Remodel or Construction?

How to play a role in making sure your remodeling or construction project receives all appropriate government approvals.

Hiring Workers in Your Home: Legal Requirements

Understand your responsibilities when hiring a nanny, housekeeper,gardener, or handyperson.

If my contractor hires undocumented workers, who's liable for their injuries?

The key question is whether undocumented workers are covered by workers' compensation insurance in your state.

Bartering with a Contractor: How to Mitigate Risk

What are the practical, tax, and other implications of trading services for services?

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 your workers 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 contractor to small claims court?

Weighing the pros and cons of dealing with a dispute over a nonperforming home contractor's work in small claims court.

My contractor is charging way more than what he estimated. What should 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.

Suing a Bankrupt Home Builder for Construction Defects

How do you get money out of a home contractor or builder who has none?

Is it worth trying to enforce a court judgment against my home contractor?

The court says your contractor owes you money, but he's not paying it -- now what?

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.

I supplied construction materials, but contractor isn't paying. What now?

Don't let the contractor hide behind the homeowner's nonpayment and avoiding paying you what you're owed as a materials supplier.

Will My Mortgage Lender Give Me Trouble Over the Mechanics' Lien My Contractor Filed?

Will your lending bank discover that a mechanic's lien has been placed on your property?

My state's small claims court allows me to hire a lawyer -- should I, to sue a home contractor?

Whether a disgruntled homeowner should proceed against a home contractor unrepresented, or hire professional legal help.

Should I sue my contractor individually, or just his business?

When a self-employed handyperson messes up your home repair, do you sue the person, or look for a business name to sue?

I have no written contract with my home contractor. Can I still sue?

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

My state's small claims court gives me a jury trial option. Should I take it?

Weighing the options to present a claim against a home contractor to a small claims court judge or to a jury.

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.

Should I subpoena witnesses in my small claims case against my contractor?

You can force someone to come to court and provide oral evidence concerning your dispute with your contractor -- but do you really want to?

I sued my contractor and he responded with a counterclaim! Now what?

Counterclaims are a common lawsuit tactic -- learn how to fend one off.