Colorado Contractor Abandonment and Bad Remodel Lawyer

Few things are more stressful than a contractor who takes a large deposit, starts demolition and then stops showing up. Or one who finishes the job but leaves behind work that fails inspection, leaks or has to be torn out. Whether you were building a custom home, an addition or a kitchen remodel, you may have legal options to recover your money and get the project finished properly.

Having owned and managed a construction company, I know how jobs are supposed to be bid, scheduled, billed and closed out. That makes it easier to see where a contractor went wrong and to show a judge, arbitrator or insurer exactly what it will cost to fix.

Common Problems

  • Contractor abandons the job after collecting deposits or draws

  • Draw requests that far exceed the work actually completed

  • Payments not passed on to subcontractors and suppliers, leading to mechanics' liens on your property

  • Work that fails inspection or wasn't permitted

  • Unauthorized change orders and cost overruns

  • Defective workmanship that has to be removed and redone

Legal Tools Available to Owners

Depending on the facts, claims may include breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence and violations of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Colorado's construction trust fund statute (C.R.S. ยง 38-22-127) requires contractors to hold project funds in trust for the subcontractors and suppliers on that job. A contractor who diverts that money can face civil theft claims, which may allow recovery of up to three times the actual damages plus attorney fees. If subcontractors have recorded mechanics' liens on your property, I can help you challenge improper liens and protect your title.

Hourly and Contingent Options

Remodel and contractor disputes vary widely in size. I handle larger matters on contingency when the damages and the defendant's ability to pay support it, and I handle others on an hourly basis. In either case, we'll start with a clear assessment of what the case is worth and what it will realistically cost to pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions

My contractor disappeared with my deposit. Is that a crime or a civil matter? It can be both. Diverting construction funds may support criminal charges and civil claims. A civil claim is how you pursue repayment directly.

Can I fire my contractor and hire someone else to finish? Possibly, but how you terminate matters. Follow the contract's notice and cure provisions and document the work's condition first, or you risk giving the contractor a claim against you.

A subcontractor I never hired filed a lien on my house. Do I have to pay twice? Colorado's lien laws include protections for homeowners who paid their general contractor, but the rules are technical and deadlines are short. Get advice quickly.

Call 303-409-7529 for a free consultation about your project.