What should I do about this contractor?

I have been using a contractor on a project, and he has taken 12 weeks to do the last 2 weeks’ worth of work. There have been other issues, but this is the one that is really griping me.

His people generally do good work, when they are there; the only real problem is how long it is between the times they show up to work.

Here is his reason: he said that, since I was doing some of the finish work myself, he had to keep his men busy and so he took another job. Now I am 2nd or 3rd in priority of scheduling. When they do come it is often on Saturday, which is not particularly convenient to me, although it is better than nothing.

I am considering complaining to the state licensing board on the grounds of “lack of reasonable diligence”. Their first step is to go urge the parties to negotiate an agreement; after that (if they agree the complaint is legitimate) they will put the issue in arbitration.

The thing is, I can’t turn back the clock and make them work faster. The only thing I can ask for is money, and I don’t know what is a reasonable amount to ask for.

Any of you have any ideas? Do I have a legitimate beef? Should I get some money back (I haven’t made the last payment yet, but I’m not considering withholding it, since they can then slap a lien on my house)? Final inspection is supposed to be this week.
Roddy

If he’s done, pay up, cut your losses, and think twice before using him again. If he’s not done, don’t pay him until he is, then pay up, cut your losses, and think twice before using him again.

(not a lawyer, but) I think you have a legitimate beef, but not a legitimate case for litigation.