We paid our contractor $10,000 to complete a project to a certain point, he has not completed it and does not intend to do so. I want him to finish the job or return the money. Would this fall under small claims in GA or must I hire an attorney for recourse. For that matter, is there any other recourse?

The limit in GA is $15K, so you should be under the limit.

The problem is you can't sue to force someone to do work. What I would do is get an estimate from another contractor on the cost to complete the job, then sue the contract for that cost. Or just have someone complete it and then sue for what you paid.

Is he a licensed contractor? I'd sure start checking around to see who this needs to be reported to if he is.

Is he a licensed contractor? I'd sure start checking around to see who this needs to be reported to if he is.



But keep in mind that the Courts cannot legally enforce an illegal contract - so if he IS unlicensed and you entered into an agreement and knew he was unlicensed (or he is going to say you knew) you cannot pursue him.

I think I would do as Fr_Chuck recommends - get other estimates and sue the guy. (You can't force him to finish the work nor would I want him in my house.) If you don't know if he is or isn't licensed you can look blank if the question comes up in Court. If you do find out, well, I think his response will be that you knew all along.

And I've seen it happen - not just making it up.