Longwood, FL asked in Contracts and Construction Law for Florida

Q: Can I sue a contractor for “unreasonable delays” on a home improvement?

My condo was flood in December 2019. Kitchen was destroyed. After 3 months finally got insurance money to fix home. Hired a contractor in March. Agreed on price and put down 50% to get job started. He said he will let me know start date. After almost three more months of waiting he says July 13 2020 and he said it will take three days. I asked for my 50% down money back but he said he spent it on getting materials. He and his crew came on scheduled July 13 and only did partial job and said will come back because of delays in materials. My wife and I am still waiting and haven’t used my kitchen for 6 months. Can I sue?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
Answered
  • Tallahassee, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Sure, but not before the contractor has caused some actual damages. Spending too much time to complete a construction job is not actionable. Moreover, no that the work has started the contractor can put a mechanics lien against you house that must be paid someday, or you will not be able to sell it.

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