Contractor took your money and didn't finish: what to do

Start with a written demand

Put the problem in writing even if you have already talked on the phone. State what was agreed, what was paid, what remains unfinished or defective, and what you want: completion by a date, a refund of a stated amount you can document, or a written plan to finish the work.

Send the letter in a way you can prove, such as certified mail or an email that you save. Attach the contract, change orders, payment records, and photos dated if possible. Give a clear response deadline. Stay factual. Do not withhold a payment you still owe under the contract unless you have legal advice that this is allowed in your situation.

Keep working through the contract's dispute or notice clause if it has one. Missing a required notice step can make a later claim harder.

Licensing board and consumer complaints

If the contractor is licensed, your state contractor licensing board may take complaints, require a response, or offer a recovery fund in some states. Unlicensed work may be a separate violation. Search your state licensing board for the exact name, license number, and complaint process.

You can also contact your state or local consumer-protection office and, if the marketing or payment ran through a third party, that company's dispute process. A complaint does not always produce a refund, but it creates an official record.

Small claims, bonds, and when to get help

If the amount in dispute is within your court's small-claims limit, that court can be a practical next step. Limits, filing rules, and whether a lawyer may appear vary by state and county. Check the court website before you file. Bring the contract, photos, and payment proof.

Some licensed contractors must carry a bond. A bond is a claim process, not an automatic payout, and it has its own deadlines and paperwork. Ask the licensing board how to identify the bonding company and how to file a claim.

For large balances, construction liens, or threats of counterclaims, consider a lawyer or a legal-aid clinic. This page is general information, not legal advice for your contract.