What happens if a contractor is unable to finish the project?

In Washington, if a contractor is unable to finish a construction project, the law outlines steps for the contractor and the person who hired them (the owner) to take. The first step is for both the contractor and the owner to try to negotiate a solution, such as the contractor finishing the project at a reduced rate. The owner may also be able to seek a replacement contractor to finish the project. If no agreement is reached, the owner may have the right to ask a court to take action and intervene. The court will hear both sides of the story and consider any documents presented. It may decide that the contractor must reimburse the owner for the costs of finding a new contractor, or it may rule in favor of the contractor, keeping the original contract in place and requiring the owner to pay all money due to the contractor. The outcome could rest on the specifics of the original contract and the nature of the dispute. If the court finds the contractor is at fault, it may also award the owner damages for the inconvenience or costs of the delay. In these cases, a judge will decide on an appropriate settlement. Ultimately, if the project cannot be completed, the owner is left with the responsibility of seeking a new contractor and/or taking legal action against the original contractor.

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What happens if a contractor is unable to finish the project?

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