What damages can I recover from a bad contractor?
You can recover: cost to repair defective work, value of unfinished work you paid for, cost of materials not delivered, delay damages, and consequential damages caused by the contractor's breach — subject to reasonable foreseeability.
Can I get attorney fees in a contractor dispute?
Generally no in contract claims, unless your contract has an attorney fees clause or your state has a consumer protection statute that allows fee shifting for bad contractors. Some states have contractor licensing laws with fee-shifting provisions.
Should I report the contractor to the state licensing board?
Yes, alongside your legal claim. Most states have contractor licensing boards that can revoke licenses, issue fines, and sometimes order restitution. Filing a complaint is free and puts pressure on the contractor to resolve the dispute.