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Introduction

Are you frustrated with a contractor who’s taking longer than expected to complete your project? This guide will help you understand your rights and how to effectively set a deadline for your contractor to finish the job. Knowing how to communicate your expectations can make all the difference in getting your project back on track. If you need additional support, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to assist you in navigating your legal concerns. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK.

If you’ve hired a contractor for a job but they are taking longer than expected, you might be feeling frustrated. It’s important to know that you have the right to set a deadline for them to complete their work. This is often referred to as “making time of the essence.” Here’s how you can do it effectively.

What steps should I take to make “time of the essence” in my contract?

Why Set a Deadline?

Setting a deadline is crucial because it holds the contractor accountable. If they don’t meet your deadline, you can choose to end the agreement and hire someone else to finish the job. Additionally, you can request a refund for any money you paid in advance for work that hasn’t been done.

What steps should I take if my contractor misses the deadline?
Consumer: Speed Up Slow Contractors: Deadline Tips & Legal Rights Guide

Writing a Letter to Your Contractor

To formally communicate your deadline, you can write a letter to your contractor. Here’s a simple template you can use:


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

[Contractor’s Name]
[Contractor’s Address]

Dear [Contractor’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to discuss the delay in the work we agreed upon regarding [briefly describe the work, e.g., “replacing the broken fence at the back of my house”].

We initially agreed on [date of agreement] that the work would be completed by [original completion date]. Unfortunately, this work has not yet been done.

Therefore, I am setting a deadline for the completion of this work. I kindly ask that you finish the job within the next 14 days. If the work is not completed by [insert date 14 days from now], I will consider our agreement to be at an end and will seek another contractor to complete the job.

Additionally, I will be requesting a refund of [insert amount] for the advance payment I made for work that has not been completed.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]


Need help with what to do if the contractor ignores your letter? Chat with us now!

Getting More Help

If you need further assistance or advice, don’t hesitate to try Contend’s legal expert chat. Their highly trained AI legal experts can provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, contact Consumerline for additional advice on your rights and options.

Taking action with your contractor can seem daunting, but by setting clear deadlines and knowing your rights, you can ensure that your project gets back on track.

For more info, check out some of our related articles:


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This material is for general information only and does not constitute
tax, legal or any other form of advice. You should not rely on any
information contained herein to make (or refrain from making) any
decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your
own particular situation. Contend Inc is not regulated by the
Solicitors Regulation Authority.