General Principle
You only need to pay for work that's been completed to an acceptable standard.
If Work is Incomplete
- Document what's done and what's not
- Compare to contract/quote scope
- Calculate value of completed work
- Deduct from contract price
Calculating Value
- Proportion of work completed
- Reference to itemised quote
- Independent assessment if disputed
- Factor in cost to complete
If Tradie Demands Full Payment
- Respond in writing
- Explain what's incomplete
- Offer payment for completed work
- Document your position
Your Rights
- Withhold payment proportionate to incomplete work
- Require completion before full payment
- Engage another tradie if original won't finish
- Claim additional costs against original tradie
Getting Someone Else to Finish
- Document the state of work
- Get quotes for completion
- Keep all receipts
- Claim difference from original tradie
Warning
Take care with withholding payment. Get advice if disputed. Document everything and try to resolve before escalating.