Can I charge a contractor or service provider a fee or for lost work if they miss appointments?

Question

Asking those who may have legal knowledge...not looking for just opinions. As I've had more work done on remodeling and other projects, I can't count the number of times I've been told somebody would come out to give me an estimate, or even do work, but they don't show up. When biz is good, they apparently don't care if a job is lost. Usually the appt. is during normal biz hours, so that means I take time off from work to meet them at home, and then they don't show. Has also happened with service agencies (Cable, Phone..although they will usually negotiate a discount or credit on my bill if the rep never shows up). Is there legal backing to charge somebody for the couple hours of time I take off work, or even wknds if they say they are going to show up and never do. Doctors and others charge a fee if customers don't show. Can I email/fax contractors an agreement before hand for them to sign noting this potential fee? Seems like a good contractor would agree to the terms.

Answer 1

No. You need a signed contract or document.If they do not perform as said contract then you can pursue 'breach of contract'

Answer 2

You could sue for breach, but you would have to take off time from work to go to court to try and get payment for lost work time. And there is the rub. You would have nothing much to show for it.
As to sending a no show on a contractor to pay for lost time, the reality is the good ones are so busy, there can be problems in times. If he was working on your place, and he had to go to another appointment, would you be happy if he left? A bad contractor might take your terms, and you would get what you pay for.

Answer 3

Damages arising from non-performance of a service provider could be charged if it is stipulated on the contract.

Answer 4

If you can get the contractor to agree to a no show fee then you can try and collect it.

Answer 5

You can certainly ask, but most won't sign.