I hired a contractor in February to redo my kitchen. I’ve paid in full (over $20,000) and he still hasn’t completed. Bc.

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Customer: I hired a contractor in February to redo my kitchen. I’ve paid in full (over $20,000) and he still hasn’t completed.
JA: What province are you in? It matters because laws vary by location.
Customer: Bc
JA: What steps have you taken so far?
Customer: asked him to complete or give us our money back
JA: Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured that they'll be able to help you.
Customer: When we first entered into the agreement in Feb he said it would be completed in 3 weeks
Answered by Joey in 5 mins 1 year ago
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Joey
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Joey
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Joey, Expert

Hi and thank you for using JustAnswer.  My name is ***** ***** I will be assisting you with your question.

Just a general disclaimer that this conversation is for informational purposes only. I am licensed Canadian lawyer; however, you would need to retain a lawyer to take any legal action and/or preserve any of your legal rights. I may be away from my desk from time to time, but rest assured I will always return back as soon as possible.

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Joey, Expert

Good afternoon – sorry to hear about the situation. Has any work been completed so far?

Customer
He installed the cabinets but they are two different colours. We asked for one colour. I brought this to his attention and he tried to repaint some but the original colour is still visible.
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Joey, Expert

When was the work supposed to be completed as per your written contract?

Customer
He is now ignoring us and not showing up. (After months of begging him/chasing him yo come and complete the job.
Customer
We don't have a written contract just a quote that we paid off of.
Verbally he said it would be 3 weeks to complete - Feb 19 was when we paid the first 50% deposit.
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Joey, Expert

How did you pay?

Customer
Certified Bank draft
Customer
I've maintained most of the communication via text and have proof that he said he received the full amount so I don't believe there is any disputing that
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Joey, Expert

In a situation like this, it would be best to write to the reno company and highlight all the deficiencies with the work and demand that they be rectified. Also, demand a final completion date. The company should be afforded an opportunity to fix it first. If the company refuses, your next step would be to write a demand letter to the company advising them that if the work is not fixed/finished, you will have no choice but to file a civil claim against them. If the amount in dispute is under $50,000, you can file your claim in small claims court.  Here is a link with more information on how to file a claim: http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/small-claims-court-5001-35000/notice-of-claim/submit-a-claim

If you want to retain a lawyer, here is the number for the BC lawyer referral service: 1-***-***-****

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Joey, Expert

*$35,000

Customer
I wrote a letter itemizing all things that needed to be completed.
I've also requested a completion date but he is ignoring me now.Two weeks ago he came and said he would show everyday that week and would be done by Friday.What do you recommend when the contractor (owner of the business) is ignoring our text/calls?
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Joey, Expert

You could write a demand letter letting them know that your next step will be legal action.

Customer
Ok. Is email fine for tracking or do I need to mail it and have them sign for it?
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Joey, Expert

You can email it to them. If you want to show that you're serious, registered mail.

Customer
Ok great thanks for your help
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Joey, Expert

Thank you for using JustAnswer. I wish you the best of luck. If you have any follow up questions about this matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Customer
Will do
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Joey, Expert

.

Customer
Hi I have another questionWe had a custom kitchen made. No contract just paid in full from the quote. We were told 3 weeks but it's now almost 5 months and the jobs not complete.Can I file a small claims for him to refund us and remove the cabinets or are we stuck since they were custom made?
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Joey, Expert

You should put it in writing that you want a firm date for the completion of this project. 5 months seems excessive for such a job. If he refuses, you could consider this a breach of contract and file a claim against him to refund you.

Customer
I've already sent a letter of demand with a deadline of July 29.I'm wondering about the custom made component tho, if we go to court can I ask for a full refund? Or since it's custom made are we stuck with having to pay someone else to fix his errors?
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Joey, Expert

You should ascertain the cost to have it completed. Perhaps retain a third party contractor to give you an estimate.

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