Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida

I am having renovations done to my house. I have had to rent a apartment while the work is going on. The contractor hired two clowns to demo a 10'x12' area, they took TWO WEEKS. Insane, my husband could have done it in a long weekend. Now I find out they didn't pull the permits for the subfloor or framing yet which will cause more delays. The contractor seems to think that this is all part of the "reasonable delays" incurred during construction. I think they are at fault. Can I deduct any additional rent I incur from these delays from my final payment to these people?


Asked on 9/21/09, 9:55 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

It depends on what the contract says about time to complete. Usually there is a deadline and a penalty provision thereafter (or there should be).

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Answered on 9/21/09, 10:37 am
Lesly Longa Longa Law P.A.

You may be able to argue that this is an unreasonable delay and collect a penalty to off-set the additional rent. But, it depends on what your contract says.

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Answered on 9/21/09, 11:40 am
Sarah Grosse Sarah Grosse, Esquire

Don't complain; just fire them and hire someone else. Start over, minus the work which was already done.

Ever hear of the kid who cried wolf? Or the bitch who told her contractors that everything they did was wrong? Be sure you are right before you start yelling and suing. That's just my personal opinion.

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Answered on 9/29/09, 12:46 am


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