What To Do If a Contractor Damages Your Property

 Posted on November 10, 2025 in Construction Law

When you hire someone to work on your home, their work should improve your property, not create more work. However, damage can happen during a renovation or repairs. When it does, you should know what steps are available to you under construction law. 

You have legal rights, and taking the right steps early can help you protect your home and your finances. If you need support, our North Bethesda, MD construction lawyers can guide you through the legalities and help you build a strong case.

How Do I Know the Contractor Is Responsible for the Damage?

Contractors are responsible for completing work carefully and according to professional standards. Damage may happen through accidents, carelessness, or failure to follow building rules. The first step is to look at when the damage appeared and whether it is connected directly to the contractor’s work.

Maryland requires written home improvement contracts under Md. Code, Bus. Reg. § 8-101 et seq. This contract should describe the work to be performed and the materials to be used. If the finished product is of poor quality or violates building safety standards, the contractor may have caused the damage through negligence or failure to perform the work as promised.

How Do I Document Property Damage Caused by a Contractor?

Strong documentation is important for insurance claims or legal action. Some helpful ways to document property damage include:

• Take clear photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles.

• Save emails, texts, and written communication with the contractor.

• Keep contracts, invoices, and receipts.

• Write down the dates when you noticed and reported the damage.

This information helps show what happened, how it happened, and the cost of fixing it.

Should I Fix the Damage Caused by a Contractor?

Try not to rush into repairs. Fixing the damage immediately can destroy key evidence. If the damage creates a safety problem, you can make temporary repairs, but always take photos and videos first. Once the contractor is notified, they may offer to correct the damage.

You can also request proof of liability insurance. Licensed contractors are required to carry insurance and must be able to show proof upon request. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) regulates licensed contractors and handles complaints. In some cases, homeowners may seek compensation through the MHIC Guaranty Fund if a licensed contractor caused financial harm.

When Should I Consider Filing a Lawsuit if a Contractor Damages My House?

Legal action becomes an option when the contractor refuses to take responsibility or denies that the damage occurred because of their work. Sometimes the contractor may stop responding altogether, or the cost to repair the damage may be far greater than the original project. In these situations, you may need to take action to protect your rights.

You may have legal grounds to pursue compensation for breach of contract, negligence, or deceptive practices. Maryland consumer protection laws, including Md. Code, Com. Law § 13-301, prohibit misleading or unfair conduct in home improvement work. A lawsuit may help you recover the cost of fixing your home and preventing the problem from growing worse.

Contact a Rockville, MD Construction Law Attorney Today

If a contractor damages your home, we can help. We will explain your options and discuss how you can protect your investment. At Salvado Law Offices, we take each case seriously and handle disputes with care and persistence. Our team is committed to attentive representation. Attorney Carlos Salvado is known for his involvement in the Hispanic community through his appearances on Agendo Radio, where he provides insight and answers questions about important legal issues.

Call 301-933-1814 today to schedule your consultation with our team of North Bethesda, MD construction lawyers you can trust. Se habla Español.