Dealing with Shoddy Repairs or Code Violations: Your Legal Options as a Homeowner

When you hire a contractor, you expect the work to be done right — safely, professionally, and up to code. But what happens when the finished product looks nothing like what you paid for, or worse, fails inspection?

Shoddy workmanship and code violations aren’t just inconvenient — they can lower your property value, create safety hazards, and lead to costly repairs. The good news: Georgia law gives homeowners the right to hold contractors accountable for substandard or noncompliant work.

At Davis Law Group Trial Attorneys, we help homeowners recover damages and protect their investments when contractors cut corners. Here’s what to do if your renovation or build didn’t go as planned.

1. Identify the Problem — and Get Proof

Before you can pursue a claim, you’ll need to document the defects in detail. Take high-resolution photos, save inspection reports, and keep samples of defective materials if possible.

If you suspect code violations — such as improper wiring, plumbing, or structural work — contact your local building inspection office. A licensed inspector can identify violations under Georgia’s building codes, which can serve as strong evidence in your case.

Tip: Always have an independent expert (not the contractor) verify the scope and severity of the defects. Their report can make or break your claim.

2. Review Your Contract and Warranty

Most well-written construction agreements include:

• A warranty of workmanship (often 1 year)

• A materials warranty from manufacturers

• Requirements for notice and opportunity to cure

If your contractor’s work violates these terms, they are in breach of contract. Even if no written warranty exists, Georgia law recognizes an implied warranty of good workmanship — meaning the work must be performed in a competent and skillful manner consistent with industry standards.

3. Notify the Contractor in Writing

Before taking legal action, give your contractor written notice of the problem. A notice to cure gives them a set time (usually 7–14 days) to fix the issue.

This step:

• Satisfies most contract requirements before filing suit,

• Creates a record of your complaint, and

• Shows that you acted in good faith to resolve the dispute.

If they ignore your notice or make inadequate repairs, your attorney can escalate the matter.

4. Understand Your Legal Remedies

Depending on the circumstances, you may have several paths to recover your losses:

• Breach of Contract: Recover costs to correct or complete defective work.

• Negligence: Hold the contractor liable for failing to meet professional standards of care.

• Fraud or Misrepresentation: If the contractor knowingly concealed defects or misrepresented their qualifications.

• Violation of Building Codes: May support your claim and justify damages for safety risks.

• Complaint to Licensing Board: Unlicensed or negligent contractors can face fines or suspension.

In some cases, you may also recover attorney’s fees and litigation expenses if the contractor acted in bad faith.

5. Don’t Try to “Fix” the Problem Too Soon

It’s understandable to want to get repairs done quickly — especially if the damage affects your home’s livability. But before hiring someone new, consult your attorney.

Repairing or replacing the work prematurely can destroy key evidence that proves the first contractor’s liability. In many cases, we’ll help you hire an independent expert to document the defects and estimate repair costs before any further work begins.

6. File a Complaint or Take Legal Action

If informal resolution fails, you can file:

• A complaint with the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, or

• A civil lawsuit for breach of contract, negligence, or fraud.

Your attorney will help determine which route makes the most sense based on the contract, damages, and evidence.

7. Prevent It from Happening Again

Before your next project, protect yourself by:

• Verifying your contractor’s license and insurance through the state’s database.

• Using a written contract that spells out quality standards and code compliance requirements.

• Requiring final inspections before the last payment.

• Keeping retainage (5–10%) until all work passes inspection.

A little prevention can save you thousands in repairs and legal fees later.

Bottom Line

If your contractor’s work is defective, unsafe, or out of code, you have options — and rights. Don’t let them walk away without accountability.

At Davis Law Group Trial Attorneys, we help homeowners across Georgia recover damages for poor workmanship and code violations. Whether you need a demand letter, expert inspection, or full litigation support, we’ll help you take the right steps to protect your home and your wallet.

Call 404-446-293 or schedule a consultation today to discuss your situation and get your project back on solid ground.