Did a contractor botch the work on your home?

Defective workmanship, a half-finished job, code violations, or money taken for work never done — when a contractor leaves you worse off, you may have a claim for the cost to make it right, and sometimes more. A construction attorney can tell you where you stand.

Why it matters

• Defective or abandoned work can entitle you to the cost of repairs and completion.
• Fraud, or taking money for work never done, may add penalties.
• A demand from an attorney often gets a contractor's attention fast.
• Evidence fades — document the problems and get advice early.