Contractor Didn't Finish the Job on Time? Here's What You Can Do
From the legal team at TerribleContractors.com – Nevada’s Leading Contractor Accountability Firm

When you hire a contractor, time matters. Every delay affects your budget, your plans, and your peace of mind. If your contractor missed deadlines, stalled progress, or just isn’t finishing the job, you’re likely dealing with more than just frustration—you may have a legal claim.

At TerribleContractors.com, we help Nevada homeowners take action when contractors fail to complete work on time or violate construction timelines.

 

What Does It Mean When a Contractor Fails to Complete the Job on Time?
A contractor is considered in breach of contract if they do not meet agreed-upon deadlines without a legitimate excuse or proper written change order.

Common delay scenarios include:

• Unjustified project stalling

• Failure to schedule subcontractors or inspections

• Repeated rescheduling or no-shows

• Abandonment of the job site

• Delays caused by mismanagement or lack of materials

 

Delays that go beyond minor scheduling hiccups can cost homeowners thousands in damages, housing, and lost time.

Are There Legal Consequences for a Contractor Who Delays a Project?
Yes. Under Nevada law, failure to perform work within the agreed-upon time frame is considered a breach of contract, and in some cases, may rise to professional negligence or abandonment.

Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) that may apply:

• NRS 624.301 – Contractors must act in good faith, with reasonable diligence. Unjustified delays may result in license discipline by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).

• NRS Chapter 40 – Gives homeowners the right to recover damages caused by construction delays and defects.

 

What Are Your Legal Options?
If your contractor missed the deadline and is causing financial or personal harm, you have several legal avenues:

1. Review Your Contract
Check for:

• Project timelines

• “Time is of the essence” clauses

• Penalties or “liquidated damages” for delays

• Change order requirements

 

If your contract specifies deadlines, you may be entitled to compensation for delays.

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2. Send a Formal Notice or Demand Letter
Often, a contractor will respond (or show their true intentions) once you involve a legal team. We can draft and send a formal demand to resume or complete the work—or risk legal action.

3. File a Complaint with the NSCB
The Nevada State Contractors Board investigates delays and performance violations. They may:

• Fine or suspend the contractor’s license

• Require restitution

• Prevent them from taking on new projects

 

4. Pursue a Civil Lawsuit
If delays have caused real harm—financially or otherwise—you may sue the contractor for:

• Breach of contract

• Lost income or housing costs

• Cost of hiring another contractor to finish the job

• Emotional distress (in severe cases)

• Attorney’s fees

 

5. File a Bond Claim
Licensed Nevada contractors are required to carry a surety bond. If they breached the contract or failed to complete work, you may file a claim to recover some or all of your losses.

 

Why Hire TerribleContractors.com?
We are Nevada’s only legal team dedicated exclusively to holding bad contractors accountable. If your contractor didn’t finish the job on time, we’ll get to the bottom of it—and take action.
We handle:

• Contract enforcement

• Complaint filing with the NSCB

• Bond and insurance claims

• Civil litigation for delay-related damages

• Evidence gathering (texts, emails, photos, inspections)

 

You don’t have to put up with excuses. You have rights and we enforce them!

 

Don’t Let a Delayed Project Drain Your Time and Money

 

If your contractor is weeks (or months) behind schedule, don’t wait for more excuses. You may be entitled to compensation, contract cancellation, or legal recovery.