From: "Andrew Koenig" 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Caving Trench/Advice Requested about Dealing with Contractors
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 16:36:29 GMT

> But then it snowed. Now he is saying that there's not much he can do
> until the snow melts, and he wants the rest of his money. He says that
> he is bonded with the city so we shouldn't be concerned that he won't
> come back in the spring and fix it.

How about asking the city whether the bond will cover your situation?

I'll bet it doesn't -- in which case, I suggest offering to put the money in
escrow until the work is complete.

Alternatively, you might offer to pay a part of what you owe, with the rest
to be delivered on satifactory completion.