Wilmington, CA asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Construction Law for California

Q: Construction contact question

I paid a construction company to build an ADU via lenders and I can't get an answer from them on any updates. I want to get my money back.

3 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Under California law, if you paid a construction company to build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and they are unresponsive about updates, there are steps you can take to seek a resolution. First, review your contract to understand the terms and conditions, including any clauses about project timelines and communication requirements. This will help you determine if the company has breached the contract.

Next, send a formal written request to the construction company, demanding an update on the project and outlining your concerns. Include a deadline for their response and state that if you do not receive a satisfactory reply, you will take further action. This letter can serve as a record of your attempts to resolve the issue amicably.

If the construction company continues to be unresponsive or fails to provide satisfactory updates, you may need to consider legal action. Contact a lawyer to discuss your options, which could include filing a complaint with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) or pursuing a lawsuit for breach of contract to recover your money. Additionally, keep detailed records of all communications and payments to support your case.

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
Answered
  • Orange, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Thank you for your question!

You need to document all your requests for an update and lack of any progress on your project.

If the company fails to respond in a reasonable amount of time, you send them a demand letter with the help of a lawyer.

If the negotiation fails, you can bring a lawsuit against them for breach of contract, specific performance, etc.

This is merely a discussion of general laws and not legal advice. For legal advice, more specific facts and investigations are needed. I recommend you consult with an attorney for more details.

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Los Altos, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Sorry for you issues. I would immediately contact the state contractor's licensing board. They control these folks and can take their license away if the violations are bad enough. That's pressure...

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