Hiring a contractor for your home or business project is a big step, and a big expense. When that contractor suddenly stops showing up or walks off the job completely, you’re left with a half-finished space, a shrinking budget, and a lot of questions.
This type of situation is more common than you might think. Whether you’re dealing with missed deadlines, poor workmanship, or a complete lack of communication, it’s important to understand your legal rights and next steps.
At Pathfinder Law, we help clients across Abbotsford and the Lower Mainland handle construction disputes and contractor problems with practical, legal solutions. Here’s what to do if your contractor walks off the job.
Step 1: Review Your Contract
Your written contract is the starting point for any dispute. It should outline:
- The scope of work
- Payment terms and schedules
- Project timelines
- Termination clauses
- Responsibilities if the work stops or is delayed
If you don’t have a written contract, other evidence like emails, invoices, or text messages may still be useful. In British Columbia, verbal contracts are legal, but much harder to enforce.
Review the contract to see:
- Whether the contractor missed key deadlines
- If payment conditions were clearly tied to progress
- Whether there’s a clause about disputes or abandoning the project
This will help clarify what’s considered a breach and what remedies are available.
Step 2: Try to Get in Touch
Before taking legal action, try reaching out. It’s possible there was a miscommunication, illness, or another issue behind the disappearance.
- Send a polite email or message asking for clarification
- Keep your tone professional
- Document all attempts to reach the contractor
In some cases, the contractor may return to finish the job, or explain the delay. If they respond, you might be able to work out a new plan. If not, the paper trail will help your case later.
Step 3: Stop All Payments
If you’re making staged payments, stop immediately. Do not pay more until you understand:
- What work has actually been completed
- Whether it meets your local building code or contract specifications
- What remains to be done, and at what cost
In many cases, clients realize they’ve already paid more than the completed work is worth. This makes cost recovery even more important.
Step 4: Document Everything
Begin gathering evidence, especially if the job site is unsafe or left in poor condition.
Take photos of:
- Unfinished work
- Poor workmanship
- Materials left behind or damaged
- The state of the property when work stopped
Also collect:
- Receipts and invoices
- Copies of the contract and quotes
- Communication records (emails, texts, call logs)
- Any inspection reports, permits, or notices
This documentation will be essential whether you pursue legal action or make an insurance claim.
Step 5: Get a Second Opinion
Contact another contractor or a professional inspector to assess the work that was done. You’ll want to know:
- What has been completed
- Whether it was done correctly
- What it will cost to finish or fix
Getting an objective review helps you understand your financial position—and whether legal action is worth pursuing.
Step 6: Understand Your Legal Options
If your contractor refuses to return or won’t negotiate, you may need legal help. In British Columbia, you have a few paths forward:
1. Demand Letter
A lawyer can send a formal demand letter asking the contractor to return to the job or provide compensation. Sometimes, this alone is enough to prompt action.
2. Small Claims Court
If your damages are under $35,000, you can file a claim in BC Small Claims Court. This process is simpler and faster than Supreme Court.
You can claim:
- Refunds for payments made
- The cost to repair or complete the project
- Damage to your property caused by the work
3. Supreme Court Civil Claim
For higher-value projects or more complex claims, you may need to go through the BC Supreme Court. This may involve:
- Claims for breach of contract
- Seeking an injunction or lien removal
- Pursuing damages for delays, lost revenue, or other financial loss
A construction lawyer can help you assess your case and recommend the most practical and cost-effective route.
Step 7: Protect Yourself Going Forward
Once you’ve handled the immediate issue, it’s worth thinking about how to prevent this from happening again. Here are some tips for hiring a contractor:
- Always get a detailed written contract
- Include clear milestones and payment schedules
- Avoid paying large sums upfront
- Check references and licenses
- Keep regular written communication
- Include a clause for dispute resolution
The more you clarify in writing, the easier it is to hold someone accountable if they walk away.
Final Thoughts
When a contractor walks off the job, you’re left with more than an unfinished project, you’re left with stress, wasted time, and financial risk. But you’re not stuck.
At Pathfinder Law, we help property owners across the Fraser Valley hold contractors accountable. Whether you’re considering legal action or need help reviewing a contract, we’ll help you understand your rights and make smart decisions.
If a contractor has left your project incomplete or caused damage, contact us today for a free 20-minute consultation.
