Legal Question in Construction Law in District of Columbia

home improvement in washington, dc

We have completed 50% of one project and 100% of another small project at the same residence. We have only been paid for the smaller project. We have requested our initial deposit and 50% installment on the larger project, but customer has not paid. We requested money twice before discontinuing services until paid. We have made several attempts to communicate with our customer, but she does not communicate with us. We have now requested payment 3 times since the week of March 5, and to date we have still not been paid. If she pays what is owed now, we know the payment problem will occur again at the end of the project, and we will probably not be paid (especially since she has champagne taste and a beer pocketbook-as they say). How can we get paid for portion of work already completed, and terminate our contract for the balance of work?


Asked on 3/26/07, 1:35 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: home improvement in washington, dc

File a mechanics lien, as applicable, (send copy to defaulter),and then your lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court for a judgment for all damages which you can claim under the contract which now apparently stands in material breach.

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Answered on 3/26/07, 2:46 pm
G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Re: home improvement in washington, dc

You need to file a complaint in court to resolve the matter. You will recover for work performed and possibly for anticipatory costs where preparation for contract performance can be shown.

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Answered on 3/26/07, 7:55 pm


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