You paid thousands for a “professional” to remodel your bathroom. Now the tiles are uneven, the plumbing leaks, and the vanity is crooked. You point out the issues, and the contractor shrugs—or worse, tells you it’s “good enough.”
This happens more often than you’d expect, especially in cities like San Jose and San Francisco, where renovations are frequent and property values are high. If your contractor didn’t do the job right, you have legal options.
Sloppy Work or a Legal Problem?
Not every mistake leads to a lawsuit, but poor workmanship often is more than just frustrating. It can pose safety risks, lead to costly repairs, and affect your home’s value. Here’s the key question: Did the contractor fail to meet professional standards or violate the contract?
Some warning signs:
- The work doesn’t pass inspection
- Fixtures or materials aren’t what was agreed upon
- Electrical or plumbing isn’t up to code
- The job was rushed, uneven, or unfinished
- Promised features were skipped or done incorrectly
Even if you didn’t sign a long, formal contract, California law still offers protection when a contractor fails to deliver the agreed-upon quality or scope of work.
Start with Documentation
Before jumping into legal action, gather your evidence. You’ll need to show exactly what went wrong—and that you gave the contractor a chance to fix it.
Steps to take:
- Take clear photos of the poor workmanship or defective installation
- Save all contracts, invoices, and text/email messages
- Write down what work was done vs. what was promised
- Get a second opinion from another licensed contractor, if possible
This documentation helps establish a pattern and gives you leverage if things escalate.
Should You Let Them Try to Fix It?
In many cases, yes. California law encourages homeowners to give contractors a reasonable opportunity to correct their mistakes. Sometimes it’s a genuine oversight, and a professional contractor will return and make it right.
Before allowing further work:
- Confirm the corrections in writing
- Set a clear deadline
- Don’t pay additional money unless you’ve agreed to a revised scope
But if your contractor dodges responsibility, becomes defensive, or refuses to return, you may need to bring in a lawyer to enforce your rights.
Legal Options If the Work Is Substandard
If the contractor won’t fix the problems or has made things worse, you may be entitled to legal remedies. Common options include:
- Filing a breach of contract claim for failure to meet agreed terms
- Suing for negligent workmanship, especially if safety is at risk
- Recovering the cost of repairs or redoing the job
- Filing a complaint with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
- Making a claim against the contractor’s bond
If the project was large and the damage significant, you may need to take the matter to civil court. For smaller issues (under $10,000), small claims court may be an option.
A Note About Unlicensed Contractors
If your contractor wasn’t licensed, you’re not alone, but your options may be different. California law prohibits unlicensed contractors from collecting payment in many cases, even if some work was done. If your job was botched by someone operating illegally, you may be able to recover funds and stop future collection attempts.
How BoyesLegal Can Help
Poor workmanship doesn’t have to leave you stuck. Our team helps homeowners, landlords, and property investors across California resolve contractor disputes efficiently and strategically. Our team will:
- Review contracts and photos to assess your case
- Send demand letters or negotiate correction plans
- Pursue legal action when needed
- Assist with CSLB complaints or license bond claims
- Work to recover financial losses tied to the bad work
We’ve helped clients from downtown San Jose to the Sunset District of San Francisco deal with contractor disputes involving substandard work, code violations, and outright neglect.
Don’t Settle for Substandard Work
When a contractor cuts corners or ignores the agreed scope, it can feel like you’re left holding the bag. But you have legal rights and options to make it right. Contact BoyesLegal APC today to schedule a consultation. Whether you own a home in San Jose, a rental unit in San Francisco, or a commercial space anywhere in the Bay Area, we’re ready to help.