My contractor left and the job isn't done — what are my options in British Columbia?

You have several legal and practical options in BC when a contractor abandons a project, but your specific remedies depend on your contract terms, payment status, and whether permits are involved.

This is unfortunately common in BC's hot construction market. Your first step is to document everything — take photos of the incomplete work, gather all contracts, invoices, and communication records. Don't make any additional payments until you understand your legal position.

Review your contract immediately to understand termination clauses, payment schedules, and completion timelines. If you have a written contract, it should outline procedures for early termination and what happens to materials already purchased. If you only have a verbal agreement, BC's Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCPA) still provides some protection, especially if the contract value exceeds $500.

For payment disputes and recovery, you have several avenues. If you've overpaid for work not completed, you can pursue the contractor through small claims court (up to $35,000) or BC Supreme Court for larger amounts. If the contractor owes money to suppliers or subcontractors, they may file liens against your property under BC's Builders Lien Act — you'll need legal advice to navigate this. The 10% holdback rule exists partly for this reason — if you've been holding back 10% of payments, don't release it until all lien periods expire (55 days after completion).

Check if your contractor has WorkSafeBC coverage — all contractors in BC must carry this. If they don't, you could be liable for workplace injuries. Also verify if they're properly licensed with Technical Safety BC for electrical or gas work, or registered with BC Housing if this involves new construction requiring a Licensed Residential Builder.

For permit issues, contact your municipal building department immediately. If permits are open, you'll need to either have the original contractor complete required inspections or hire a new contractor to take over. Some municipalities allow permit transfers, others require new applications. Don't let permits expire — this creates bigger problems and costs.

Finding a replacement contractor can be challenging mid-project. New contractors often charge premiums to take over someone else's work because they're inheriting unknown problems. Get multiple quotes and be upfront about the situation. Expect to pay 15-25% more than if starting fresh, and budget extra for correcting any substandard work.

Your next steps: Stop all payments, document everything, review your contract, contact your municipal building department about permit status, and consult a lawyer if significant money is involved. For disputes under $5,000, consider the Civil Resolution Tribunal at civilresolutionbc.ca. For larger amounts or complex lien issues, you'll need legal counsel experienced in BC construction law.

The key is acting quickly — lien deadlines and permit expiry dates don't wait, and the longer a project sits incomplete, the more expensive it becomes to restart.