Contractor or Repair Disputes
Hired a contractor who did shoddy work, didn't finish the job, or charged more than agreed? Home improvement and repair disputes are among the most common small claims cases.
Typical claim amount
$1,000 – $12,500
Statute of limitations category
Written contract (varies by state)
See your state's small claims rules
Pick your state above to see its claim limit, deadlines, and rules — or browse all state guides.
How much to ask for
A common approach is the cost to fix or finish the work properly — get a written quote from another contractor to put a real number on it. If you paid for materials or an upgrade you didn't receive, add that. If the contractor damaged something while working, include the repair cost for that too. Keep your claim tied to making yourself whole, not to punishing the contractor.
How to pursue this claim, step by step
- 1
Photograph the defective or unfinished work in detail, and gather your contract or estimate, payment records, and all messages about the project.
- 2
Get a written quote from a second contractor to complete or correct the work — this anchors your dollar amount.
- 3
Add up your claim: the cost to fix or finish, plus any property damage and any money paid for work or materials you didn't get.
- 4
Send a written demand referencing the specific contract terms the contractor failed to meet, with photos and the repair quote, and a deadline to respond.
- 5
Confirm you're within your state's deadline to sue, then file naming the contractor or their business by its correct legal name.
- 6
At the hearing, show the agreement, the before/after photos, and the second contractor's quote so the judge can see what was promised versus delivered.
Common examples
Contractor took payment but never started or finished work
Quality of work was far below what was agreed
Contractor caused damage to your property during work
Final cost was significantly more than the estimate without approval
Contractor used cheaper materials than specified
Evidence you should gather
The stronger your evidence, the better your chances. Start collecting these items before you file:
Written contract or estimate
Before and after photos
Photos showing defective or incomplete work
Text messages or emails about the project
Payment receipts or bank statements
Estimate from another contractor to fix the work
Any permits or inspection reports
Ready to take action?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court. Our free guide shows you how to write one in minutes.
Read the demand letter guideDemand letter tip
Reference the specific terms of your agreement and exactly how the contractor failed to meet them. Include photos and a quote from another contractor to complete or fix the work. For licensed contractors, a demand letter can carry extra weight, since complaints may affect their license.
Read the demand letter guide →Court preparation tip
A quote from a second contractor to fix the first contractor's work is one of the strongest pieces of evidence you can bring. It shows the judge exactly what it costs to make you whole.
What trips people up
Not getting a second contractor's written quote to support the repair cost.
Paying in full up front, then having less leverage when the work goes wrong.
Letting the contractor make repeated 'fixes' without documenting each failed attempt.
Suing a business name that doesn't exist — verify the contractor's correct legal entity.
Vague photos that don't clearly show what's wrong with the work.
Filing deadlines by state
Your statute of limitations depends on your state. Here are some examples for this type of case:
| State | Deadline | Max claim |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 years | $6,000 |
| Alaska | 3 years | $10,000 |
| Arizona | 6 years | $5,000 |
| Arkansas | 5 years | $5,000 |
| California | 4 years | $12,500 |
| Colorado | 3 years | $7,500 |
| Connecticut | 6 years | $5,000 |
| Delaware | 3 years | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 years | $10,000 |
| Florida | 5 years | $8,000 |
| Georgia | 6 years | $15,000 |
| Hawaii | 6 years | $5,000 |
| Idaho | 5 years | $5,000 |
| Illinois | 10 years | $10,000 |
| Indiana | 10 years | $10,000 |
| Iowa | 10 years | $6,500 |
| Kansas | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Kentucky | 15 years | $2,500 |
| Louisiana | 10 years | $5,000 |
| Maine | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 3 years | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 6 years | $7,000 |
| Michigan | 6 years | $7,000 |
| Minnesota | 6 years | $20,000 |
| Mississippi | 3 years | $3,500 |
| Missouri | 10 years | $5,000 |
| Montana | 8 years | $7,000 |
| Nebraska | 5 years | $7,500 |
| Nevada | 6 years | $10,000 |
| New Hampshire | 3 years | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 6 years | $5,000 |
| New Mexico | 6 years | $10,000 |
| New York | 6 years | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | 3 years | $10,000 |
| North Dakota | 6 years | $15,000 |
| Ohio | 8 years | $6,000 |
| Oklahoma | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Oregon | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 4 years | $12,000 |
| Rhode Island | 10 years | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | 3 years | $7,500 |
| South Dakota | 6 years | $12,000 |
| Tennessee | 6 years | $25,000 |
| Texas | 4 years | $20,000 |
| Utah | 6 years | $20,000 |
| Vermont | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 5 years | $5,000 |
| Washington | 6 years | $10,000 |
| West Virginia | 10 years | $20,000 |
| Wisconsin | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Wyoming | 10 years | $6,000 |
Frequently asked questions
What can I claim if a contractor did poor work?
Often the cost to fix or finish the job properly, plus any property they damaged and any money paid for work or materials you never received. A written quote from another contractor helps prove that figure.
Does it matter if the contractor was licensed?
It can. In some states, unlicensed contractors face extra consequences and may have a harder time defending a claim. Check your state's rules on contractor licensing.
I only had a verbal agreement — can I still sue?
Yes, though it's harder to prove. Texts, emails, the estimate, payment records, and photos of the work can establish the terms and the breach.
The contractor disappeared with my deposit. What now?
Document what you paid and what was (or wasn't) done, send a written demand, and be ready to file. Make sure you can identify the contractor's real legal name and an address for service.
Should I let them try to fix it first?
It's often reasonable to give them a chance, and courts like seeing you tried. Just document every attempt and its outcome so a pattern of failed fixes is clear.
Other case types
Security Deposit Not Returned
Your landlord won't return your security deposit
Unpaid Invoice or Loan
Someone owes you money and won't pay
Car Accident Damage
Someone damaged your car and won't pay for repairs
Defective Product or Service
Something you bought doesn't work and the seller won't fix it
Breach of Contract
Someone broke a written or verbal agreement
Unpaid Rent (Landlord vs Tenant)
Your tenant owes rent and won't pay
Property Damage by Neighbor
Your neighbor damaged your property
Auto Repair Disputes
Mechanic overcharged, did bad work, or caused damage
Moving Company Damage
Movers broke or lost your belongings
Wedding Vendor Disputes
Wedding photographer, DJ, venue, or vendor didn't deliver
Bad Check or Bounced Payment
Someone paid you with a check that bounced
Pet-Related Disputes
Dog bite, vet malpractice, or pet purchase gone wrong
Roommate Disputes
Roommate owes rent, utilities, or damaged shared property
Online Purchase or Marketplace Disputes
Item never delivered, counterfeit, or not as described
Dry Cleaner or Laundry Damage
Dry cleaner ruined or lost your clothing
Travel and Airline Disputes
Airline, hotel, or travel company ruined your trip
Insurance Claim Disputes
Insurance company denied or underpaid your claim
Gym or Membership Cancellation
Gym or club keeps charging after cancellation
Towing and Vehicle Impound Disputes
Your car was illegally towed or you were overcharged
Home Appliance or Electronics Warranty
Manufacturer or retailer won't honor a warranty
Freelance or Gig Work Payment
Client won't pay for freelance or contract work you completed
Utility Billing Disputes
Overcharged by a utility company or service provider
Dental or Medical Billing Disputes
Overcharged for medical or dental services
Tenant Suing Landlord for Repairs
Landlord won't fix habitability issues in your rental
Last updated 2026-06-28.
General information to help you understand the process — not legal advice. Rules and dollar limits vary by state and change over time, so always confirm the current requirements with your court. See our Editorial Standards.
Ready to take action?
A demand letter is often the first step. Many contractor or repair disputes disputes are resolved without ever going to court.
Read the demand letter guide