If you hire a contractor to do work but do it yourself do you still have to pay him?

Question

He has outrages prices on some of the things and we would like to do them ourselves can he retaliate and make us pay him still?

Answer 1

Key word here is hired! You did hire him, but remember you can also fire him!!

Answer 2

If you "hired" him - as in past tense - then all you can do is fire him. He will have to be paid based on work performed, not planned work, or estimated work, unless your contract is for the job. In that case, job, he must be given the opportunity to fail. And you will have to show cause in court to resolve the matter. You could still be liable for a certain amount of payment. If you didn't hire him -as in writing a contract - then all bets are off according to what you want.

An alternative - and I've done this myself - is to write into the contract that you are to be hired on as a helper and get paid yourself! It's your money!

Answer 3

The golden rule is get an itemized quote in writing so you Know exactly what your getting for your money.
regarding not paying, you would better nipping that one in the bud before it gets out off hand. Talk to the contractor and explain your thoughts and what you want too happen. Don't let it drag on as some contractors don't always see it your way and demand payment. With the emphasis being on demand

Answer 4

u need to figure out what u will do before u sign a contract.....spell out what u will do and also what u and he agree he will do and for what price......if u already signed a contract and then u do the work then this is a gray area in the eyes of the law.....but if he is doing lots of work for u and he is just throwing numbers at u for different work he might do and u do it first then no u dont have to pay for that work that he did not do.......

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 5

He is a licensed contractor?

He does have insurance and bonding, right?

You did sign a contract with him?

so, you already knew what he would charge before he started?

He did get the necessary permits?

Sounds like you are headed to small claims court.

Answer 6

It depends on whether you signed a contract or not. If you did sign one they could get you for breach of contract. But if you didn't sign one, then you only to pay him for work you want him to do.

Answer 7

only if you have a contract. but even if you do not you only have to pay what he has done for you. Not for future projects. You can fire him anytime you wish.

Answer 8

if you have a contract......if paying by the hour noif he did not do the work