Legal Question in Construction Law in California

Is he a licensed contractor? Is there a written contract? How much have you paid him so far?

How much was the total payment supposed to be? How much of the work is completed?

You do have a legal claim. But what the best course of action is depends on the answers to these questions, and more. Please contact me at 805-886-4515 for further advice at no cost.

To augment the answer above, if the contractor is not licensed, he cannot charge more than $500 for any work done. You can thus bring a claim for any amounts paid to the unlicensed contractor in excess of $500.

If the contractor is licensed, you can file a claim with the Contractors State License Board and make a claim against the bond all licensed contractors are required to maintain. You could make a claim for any amounts required to complete the work.

To further augment the answer's above, I am local to you and have 22 years of construction litigation experience. I'd be happy to consult with you for free, and if you have a case you can decide if you would like to hire me, or handle it yourself, or I can refer you to other counsel.