Legal Question in Business Law in Massachusetts

Re: Where oh where has my contractor gone with my $ ???

Hi-

Is there a written contract with specifications? For the contract to have been violated, he must be outside of the terms of it.

Specifically, is there a specific date for starting and completing? If not, a "reasonable" time would be implied.

Another important consideration is whether he is licensed, and whether he pulled a permit from the local building department. You may have more

leverage with him if the answer to both of the above questions is yes.

I suggest that as a starting point you call him often, and keep a log of your calls. It may also be useful to send him letters (one certified and one regular)

asking him to come back and complete the contract as soon as possible because the "holidays" are upon us.

Regards,

Alan D. Humbert

Re: Where oh where has my contractor gone with my $ ???

Very fuzzy agreement you made -- the deadline could be interpreted as Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. So, the fact that in mid-November the work is not yet finished is not very significant.

If this contractor ultimately disappears, there is a state fund that will rebate your money up to a maximum of $10,000.00; however, you first need to get a judgment or arbitral award against the contractor. Depending upon the amount, going to small claims court may be your best option.