Franciscus Roofing

Homeowners often hire contractors expecting professional results. Sometimes, however, the finished work does not meet the agreed-upon standards.

Whether it’s a roofing job, an exterior repair, or a full renovation, poor workmanship can lead to frustration and additional costs. It may also cause damage to your home over time.

Understanding what qualifies as subpar work is the first step toward resolving the issue.

What Is Subpar Or Poor Work

Subpar or poor work refers to construction or repair tasks that do not meet building codes, trade standards, or the terms outlined in your contract. It involves problems that affect the integrity or appearance of your home.

Common signs of poor workmanship include:

• Structural issues: Sagging rooflines, uneven shingles, or crooked installations
• Aesthetic problems: Sloppy paint, misaligned materials, or uneven surfaces
• Code violations: Improper flashing, inadequate ventilation, or unsafe electrical work
• Functional failures: Water leaks, drafts, or fixtures that don’t work properly

Warning signs often appear before the job is complete. These include unexplained delays, frequent excuses, and contractors who avoid answering questions or resist showing you their progress.

It’s important to separate subjective concerns (like not liking a color choice) from objective issues (like shingles that fall off). The term “bad contractor” typically refers to professionals who consistently deliver work below industry standards.

Review Your Contract And Scope

Your contract is the foundation for resolving issues with poor work. This document outlines what the contractor agreed to do and how they promised to do it.

Start by checking these key elements:

• Payment terms: What work was paid for versus what was completed
• Warranties: What guarantees cover the work if problems arise
• Scope of work: The specific tasks, materials, and standards agreed upon
• Dispute procedures: How disagreements should be handled
• Termination clause: Your rights if you need to end the relationship

Compare the actual work to what’s described in the contract. If the contractor didn’t follow the timeline, used different materials, or failed to meet the standards described, you may have a case for breach of contract.

Many homeowners find that reviewing their contract helps clarify whether the work truly falls short of what was promised or if expectations simply weren’t communicated clearly.

Document Evidence Of Bad Contractor Work

Good documentation provides objective evidence of poor workmanship. This evidence strengthens your position when requesting corrections or filing complaints.

The most effective documentation includes:

• Photos: Take clear, dated pictures of problem areas. Include both close-ups of specific issues and wider shots showing the full context.
• Videos: Record walkthroughs that show the scope and scale of the problems.
• Written records: Keep a log with dates, descriptions of issues, and any conversations with the contractor.

Documentation is most helpful when it’s organized and thorough. Create separate folders for each issue and keep all related materials together. Back up digital files to prevent loss.

This table shows which documentation methods are most effective:

Method	Effectiveness	Why
Dated, clear photos	High	Shows specific issues with time reference
Video walkthroughs	High	Provides context and scale of problems
Detailed written logs	High	Creates timeline of issues and communications
Vague descriptions	Low	Lacks specificity needed for claims
Verbal complaints only	Low	No permanent record for reference

When documenting what to do if contractor does bad work, collect evidence at multiple stages: before work begins, during the project, and after completion.

Communicate With Your Contractor

Keep It In Writing

Written communication creates a clear record of your concerns and the contractor’s responses. When addressing bad contractor work, always put important messages in writing.

Your written communications should include:

• Specific issues you’ve observed
• References to relevant sections of your contract
• Clear requests for corrections
• Reasonable deadlines for response or action
• Attachments of photos or other evidence

Use professional, factual language rather than emotional statements. For example, instead of writing “Your terrible work ruined my house,” try “The roof installation does not meet the specifications outlined in our contract dated March 15, as evidenced by the water leaking into my attic.”

Save all communications, including emails, texts, and letters. These records may become important if you need to escalate the situation later.

Request A Meeting

Sometimes a face-to-face conversation helps resolve misunderstandings about what to do when a contractor does poor work. Before meeting:

• Review your documentation and contract
• Prepare a list of specific concerns
• Decide what outcome you want

During the meeting, stay calm and focused on facts. Take notes or, with permission, record the conversation. Afterward, send a follow-up email summarizing what was discussed and any agreements made.

This approach gives the contractor a chance to explain their perspective while ensuring you have a record of the conversation.

Request Corrections Or Repairs

Outline The Issues

When asking for fixes, be specific about what needs correction. Create a clear, organized list that the contractor can easily understand and address.

For each issue:

• Describe the problem in detail
• Note its exact location
• Explain how it fails to meet the contract terms or building standards
• Include supporting evidence (photos, expert opinions)

Prioritize safety and structural concerns first, followed by code violations, and finally cosmetic issues. This helps the contractor understand which problems are most urgent.

A sample request might read: “Please address the following issues by June 20: (1) Missing drip edge along the north side of the roof, which violates section 3.2 of our contract; (2) Improperly sealed flashing around the chimney, causing water leakage as shown in the attached photos.”

Give A Reasonable Deadline

Setting clear timeframes creates accountability when dealing with what to do when contractor does poor work. Deadlines should be realistic based on the scope of corrections needed:

• Minor repairs: 3-7 days
• Major corrections: 1-2 weeks
• Weather-dependent work: Adjusted as needed

If the deadline passes without action, you may consider withholding remaining payments or pursuing other remedies outlined in your contract. Document all deadline agreements and the contractor’s responses.

Remember that reasonable deadlines show good faith on your part while still maintaining firm expectations for resolution.

Consider Filing A Complaint Or Bond Claim

If direct communication doesn’t resolve the issues, you may need to involve third parties. This step is particularly important when dealing with serious problems or unresponsive contractors.

Check Licensing Requirements

Most states require contractors to be licensed, especially for specialized work like roofing. In Ohio, you can verify a contractor’s license through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Licensed contractors typically carry insurance and may have a surety bond, which protects customers from financial losses due to poor workmanship.

To file a complaint with licensing authorities, gather:

• The contractor’s name and license number
• A description of the problems
• Documentation of the issues
• Your contact information

Contact Relevant Authorities

Several organizations can help when you’re trying to resolve issues with a bad contractor:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• State attorney general’s consumer protection division
• Local building department
• Contractor’s bonding company (if they’re bonded)

Each option has different timelines and effectiveness levels. Licensing board complaints often carry the most weight because they can affect the contractor’s ability to work legally. Bond claims can provide financial compensation but may take several months to process.

Know When To Seek Legal Actions

Draft A Demand Letter

A demand letter formally requests resolution before legal action. This document:

• Describes the problems in detail
• References contract terms that were violated
• States exactly what you want (repairs, refund, etc.)
• Sets a deadline for response (usually 7-14 days)

Send the letter by certified mail so you have proof of delivery. This formal approach often motivates contractors to resolve issues without court involvement.

Consult An Attorney

Legal help may be necessary if the contractor:

• Refuses to respond to your communications
• Won’t correct significant problems
• Has caused substantial damage or financial loss

Attorneys specializing in construction law or consumer protection can advise you on options like:

• Filing a lawsuit for breach of contract
• Pursuing claims for negligence or defective work
• Using small claims court for disputes under your state’s limit (often $3,000-$6,000)

Consider whether potential recovery justifies legal costs. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to help you evaluate your case.

How To Avoid Bad Contractors Next Time

Verify Credentials And Reviews

Prevention is easier than dealing with what to do if contractor does bad work after the fact. Before hiring:

• Check licensing: Verify the contractor is properly licensed for the specific work
• Confirm insurance: Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation
• Read reviews: Look at ratings on multiple platforms, not just testimonials on the contractor’s website
• Request references: Talk to previous customers about their experience

Watch for red flags like:

• No written contract offered
• Unusually low bids compared to other estimates
• Poor communication during the estimate process
• Lack of physical business address or proper credentials

Franciscus Roofing maintains full licensing and insurance for all roofing projects in Northeast Ohio.

Use A Clear Payment Schedule

How you structure payments can protect you from poor workmanship. A good payment schedule:

• Starts with a reasonable deposit (10-20%)
• Links additional payments to completed project milestones
• Reserves final payment (5-10%) until all work passes inspection

This approach gives you leverage if problems arise, as you’ll still control a portion of the payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

Final Thoughts

When facing subpar contractor work, a systematic approach works best: review your contract, document the issues, communicate clearly, request specific corrections, and escalate to authorities or legal action if necessary.

Timing matters—addressing problems promptly increases your chances of a satisfactory resolution. Understanding what to do when a contractor does bad work helps protect your investment and ensures your home remains safe and functional.

If you’re concerned about potential roofing issues, whether from previous work or general wear, a professional inspection can identify problems before they cause significant damage. Franciscus Roofing provides free roof inspections to homeowners in Northeast Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Contractor Problems

Should I pay for partial work if it is not completed properly?

You generally aren’t obligated to pay for incomplete or substandard work that doesn’t meet contract specifications, though you should review your specific contract terms and possibly consult an attorney before withholding payment.

Can I fire a contractor midway through a project if the work is substandard?

Yes, you can terminate a contractor for substandard work, but first review your contract’s termination clause to understand potential financial consequences and the proper procedure for ending the relationship.

How long do I have to file a complaint about poor contractor work?

In Ohio, you typically have up to four years to file a complaint for breach of contract or construction defects, though this timeline may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

Will homeowners insurance cover repairs from poor contractor work?

Homeowners insurance generally doesn’t cover repairs needed due to poor workmanship itself, but may cover resulting damage if the poor work leads to a covered event like water damage from a leaking roof.

What documentation should I keep when hiring a roofing contractor?

Keep copies of the contract, scope of work, payment records, all written communications, and inspection reports to create a complete record of the project that can help resolve any future disputes.