A Repairman Won’t Stand Behind His Work: How to Deal with Poor Repairs and Hold Contractors Accountable

You hired a professional to fix something in your home—a leaking faucet, a broken appliance, faulty wiring, or maybe even a larger job like a new roof or HVAC installation. But soon after, the repair fails. The problem returns, or worse, it’s now even more expensive to fix. When you contact the repairman, they refuse to come back, blame you, or simply ignore your calls.

So now you're stuck with a broken item, lost money, and a contractor who won’t take responsibility.

This is more common than you might think—but the good news is, you have legal rights and options to hold that repair professional accountable.

Here’s how to handle a repair gone wrong and get the resolution you deserve.

Step 1: Document the Problem Thoroughly

Before taking any action, gather as much documentation as possible. This will form the foundation of your case—whether you negotiate directly, file a complaint, or go to small claims court.

Key items to gather:

• Photos or videos of the repair job before, during, and after
• A copy of your contract, estimate, or invoice
• Any text messages, emails, or voicemails from the repair person
• A timeline of events—when you hired them, what was done, and when the issue reoccurred
• Notes from any follow-up conversations where they refused to fix the problem

Take detailed pictures of the faulty repair and resulting damage. Include close-ups and wide shots for context.

Step 2: Review the Agreement or Work Order

Look at the original written agreement, if one exists. It may contain:

• A warranty clause or guarantee
• Specific terms for repairs or service calls
• A “satisfaction guaranteed” statement
• Timeframes or exclusions for what’s covered

Even if no formal contract was signed, invoices or text messages can count as verbal or implied contracts under the law—especially if they show promises about the quality or longevity of the work.

Step 3: Contact the Repairman Politely but Firmly

Give the repairman an opportunity to correct the issue before escalating. Call or write a message like:

“Hi [Name], the [describe repair] you completed on [date] has failed. I’d appreciate it if you could return to assess and resolve the issue. I understand these things can happen, but I expected professional-quality work. Please let me know how we can move forward.”

Remain calm and professional. Most reputable contractors will respond positively if approached respectfully and are often willing to fix issues under warranty or goodwill.

Step 4: Send a Formal Written Request

If the repairman refuses or doesn't respond, send a certified letter or email stating your complaint and what you want.

Include:

• A detailed summary of the job and what went wrong
• Your request for a refund, repair, or other resolution
• A deadline for response (usually 10–14 days)
• A warning that you may pursue legal or consumer complaint options if ignored

This shows you’re serious—and creates a paper trail that supports your case later.

Step 5: Get a Second Opinion

If you’re unsure whether the repair was done improperly, hire another professional to assess the work.

Ask for:

• A written report stating what was wrong with the repair
• Photos or other documentation showing the issue
• A breakdown of what should have been done instead

This second opinion strengthens your claim and helps you understand the full scope and cost of the damage.

Step 6: File a Complaint with a Licensing Board or Trade Association

Many repair professionals are required to be licensed or certified. If the repairman was negligent or failed to complete the job properly, file a complaint with:

• Your state’s Contractor Licensing Board
• A local Department of Consumer Affairs
• The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Any professional trade organization they belong to (e.g., plumbing, HVAC, electricians)

Provide all documentation and request that the agency investigate or mediate.

These complaints may result in:

• Fines or penalties
• Suspension or revocation of their license
• Mediation or voluntary resolution

Even if you don’t get immediate compensation, you may prevent others from being scammed.

Step 7: Leave Honest Online Reviews

If you’re getting nowhere, leave reviews on platforms like:

• Google
• Yelp
• Facebook
• HomeAdvisor or Angie’s List
• The contractor’s own website or profile

Keep the tone professional and factual. Stick to what happened, share your documentation, and avoid personal attacks.

This public record can encourage the repair person to reach out and settle the issue—or at least warn others about unprofessional service.

Step 8: Dispute the Charge (If You Paid by Credit Card)

If you paid using a credit card, you might be able to dispute the charge with your card issuer.

• Contact your bank within 60 days of the billing date
• Explain that the service was defective or incomplete
• Submit documentation (photos, contracts, messages)

If the credit card company agrees that the service was substandard, they may reverse the charge or provide a temporary credit.

Step 9: Take the Repairman to Small Claims Court

If you’re still stuck and the cost of the faulty repair is significant, consider filing a case in small claims court.

You can sue for:

• Refund of the amount paid
• Additional costs caused by the poor repair
• Emotional or practical inconvenience (in some cases)

In small claims court:

• You don’t need a lawyer
• Filing fees are affordable (usually $25–$100)
• You’ll present evidence to a judge in a brief hearing
• Most states allow claims up to $5,000–$10,000

Bring your photos, second opinions, communications, and receipts. Courts often side with consumers if the evidence is clear.

Step 10: Learn from the Experience and Protect Yourself in the Future

No one wants to deal with faulty repairs, but they do happen. Next time, take steps to avoid future issues:

• Ask for written contracts and warranty terms
• Only hire licensed and insured professionals
• Check online reviews and referrals
• Don’t pay in full upfront—use deposits and final payments after work is completed
• Keep detailed records of all interactions

The more you vet repair professionals and protect your agreements, the more confident you’ll be moving forward.

Final Thoughts

When a repairman refuses to stand behind their work, it’s not just frustrating—it’s financially and emotionally draining. But you have rights, and you’re not powerless. By documenting everything, asserting your expectations, and using the tools available—whether through negotiation, complaints, or small claims—you can hold unprofessional contractors accountable.

Never accept shoddy work as “just one of those things.” You paid for a service, and you’re entitled to get what was promised. The law is on your side.

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help

If you’re facing legal questions, safety concerns, or emotional turmoil due to any of the situations described above—especially domestic abuse—don’t try to handle it alone. Professional guidance can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and your next steps are clear. Whether you need legal advice, help with documentation, or assistance navigating local resources, speaking to an expert can bring peace of mind. Click here to get connected with professional support tailored to your situation.