Is Your Contractor Ghosting You? Here's How To Proceed Forward

Whether you have an ongoing renovation or a new home construction project, you will surely experience some excitement and trepidation. Amidst the flurry of plans and blueprints, budget management, and your dream of the perfect outcome, a significant part of this journey rests on your chosen contractor. But what happens when your contractor, once communicative and reliable, all but vanishes? Your emails go unanswered, calls are unreturned, and the progress you agreed upon has suddenly come to a grinding halt. The term used to describe this scenario is "ghosting."

While ghosting in any context can prove unsettling, being ghosted by your contractor during a significant project can be emotionally and financially distressing. Not knowing what's next can leave you in limbo, uncertain about how you can salvage your project and how to proceed. But fear not; help is at hand. Here, you'll find practical strategies to handle such a situation so that you can move forward. Remember, while contractor ghosting is undoubtedly a setback, it doesn't have to be a project ender.

When you realize your contractor is ghosting you, don't panic. Take the following steps to get your project back on track. Exhaust all means of communication. Before jumping to conclusions, try communicating with your contractor in every possible way. Make follow-up calls and send polite but firm text messages asking for updates. If you don't get any response, send a clear, emphatic email expressing your concerns. Document all your attempts at communication for possible legal recourse later. Next, you'll want to review your contract. Examine the agreement you signed with your contractor thoroughly. Check the terms and conditions and any provision about the termination or discontinuation of services to understand your rights and the contractor's obligations.

If your contractor remains unresponsive even after numerous attempts at communication, it might be time to seek legal counsel. A lawyer can guide you through sending a formal demand letter or taking the appropriate legal action. It might also be time to contact the licensing board. Most contractors are licensed through a state or local licensing board. Filing a complaint with the board could trigger an investigation and possibly help find a resolution. The licensing board can also provide information about the contractor's license bond, which could be a source of compensation. 

After taking the above steps, start searching for a new contractor. Check their license and ask for references and reviews or testimonials. Tim Carter, founder of the Ask the Builder brand, advises homeowners against making advance payments and following a detailed payment schedule instead. Being ghosted by your contractor can get tricky – whether you're working on a driveway paving project, renovating your kitchen, or building your dream home. Aside from experiencing financial strain and project delays, you could feel hopeless and frustrated. However, you can avoid similar difficult situations by staying calm and following the above steps methodically and decisively. You can regain control and get your project back on track even after this temporary setback. Remember, this unfortunate circumstance is only a detour, not the end of your dream project.