Contractor nightmare alert: If your ADU project in California is delayed over nine months, you’ve paid sixty-one thousand dollars, no permits were pulled, and your contractor is ghosting you, here’s what you gotta know to handle this mess.

So, first off, keep track of every payment and contract detail you’ve got. You should know California law limits down payments on home construction to one thousand dollars or ten percent of the contract price, so that huge thirty-one thousand dollar deposit might be illegal. If your contractor hasn’t pulled permits for the ADU or roof replacement, that’s a major red flag and a breach of contract. Always ask for proof of permit submission and keep records of all communication. If your contractor promised deadlines and missed them, especially regarding permits, you should send a formal letter clearly stating the breach and your intent to terminate if they don’t comply. Document everything because it’s your strongest defense if things go legal. Also, know that paying for work not done or inspected is against California law, so don’t be afraid to hold back payments until you see progress. Lastly, if they keep ignoring you or ghosting, it’s time to escalate. either file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board or talk to a construction lawyer.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not knowing their rights about down payments and overpayments, which can leave you stuck paying tens of thousands with nothing to show for it. Fix that by understanding the Business and Professions Code section seven one five nine, which clearly limits what contractors can demand upfront and when payments should be made. Another common slip-up is trusting contractors who say they pulled permits but actually haven’t; always verify with your local building department yourself to avoid this trap. The third big issue is not having clear contract addendums that specify penalties and termination rights. without those, you might have little leverage. Make sure any new agreements are in writing and signed by both parties to protect yourself.

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