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Can I request a change order to decrease the scope of work to services rendered and not breach my construction contract?

Michigan

I signed a contract with a company to remodel a section of my basement. They only seem to want to communicate over text. They are behind schedule (according to me). there is no estimated completion date or plans and specifications like there is supposed to be according to the contract. When communicating with the contractor it almost seems as though he wants me to be the one to breach the contract. He says he has spent half the contract price on just the framing and there's nothing left of my deposit. He will not provide proof of how he spent the money. There is a dispute resolution portion of the contract. What would be the best course of action given I feel he's overcharged me but also don't want the headache of a lawsuit?

1 reply

Mar 18, 2021
Unfortunately it is not easy to reduce the scope of work but you can communicate in writing (text is ok as long as you can print it out). If you have plans and specifications and/or a firm written quote you can do a few things. If you have no plans you can sketch it yourself, put in agreed upon materials and send it to them with a statement that if they disagree. Then set out a schedule of completion and tell them they must agree to a schedule to continue. If they ask for more money ask them for a "Sworn Statement" and a detailed invoice and say you will pay. If there is no building permit ask the contractor for one. It sounds like one is needed. Its very hard to give you any more advise without a consultation.
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