At Adams & Coe, we talk with homeowners across South Carolina who feel stuck after a roofing job by another contractor goes sideways. If the work looks wrong, leaks or fails inspection, it is normal to hesitate before paying the final invoice. The key is handling it the right way so you protect your home and your position if the dispute escalates.
What Counts as “Bad Work” on a Roof?
Poor workmanship usually means the job does not meet a reasonable industry standard. In roofing, that can look like improper flashing, shingles installed incorrectly, exposed nail heads, soft spots, recurring leaks or shortcuts that create safety issues. The problem is more than cosmetic. A bad roof can lead to water intrusion, mold, damaged framing and higher repair costs over time.
What To Do When a Contractor Does Poor Work
If you think the roof was installed or repaired incorrectly, take these steps before you refuse to pay.
- Review your contract and scope of work. Look for the materials listed, installation requirements, warranties, payment milestones and any language about inspections or punch lists. This becomes your baseline for what you paid for.
- Document everything. Take clear photos and videos of the issues, save texts and emails, and write down dates. If the roof is actively leaking, document interior damage too.
- Request a correction in writing. Explain what is wrong, attach photos and ask for a written plan and timeline to fix it. Keep your tone factual and professional. If you speak by phone, follow up with an email summary so there is a paper trail.
- Get an independent evaluation. A qualified roofing professional or inspector can confirm what is defective and what it will take to fix it. This helps if the contractor disputes your claims.
Your Rights Against a Roofing Contractor for Poor Workmanship in South Carolina
In many situations, your rights come down to contract law, warranty obligations and South Carolina’s process rules for construction defect claims.
For residential construction defects, South Carolina has a “notice and opportunity to cure” process. In plain terms, you generally must give the contractor written notice of the defects and an opportunity to inspect and offer a repair or settlement before you sue. Some summaries of the law describe giving notice at least 90 days before filing a lawsuit and allowing time for the contractor to respond, inspect and offer a remedy.
South Carolina claims may involve theories like breach of contract, negligence, breach of warranty (including implied workmanship concepts) or misrepresentation, depending on the facts.
What Can a Contractor Do If You Do Not Pay?
If you withhold payment, a contractor may respond in several ways:
- Demand payment and threaten collections or a lawsuit
- Stop work if the project is not complete and your contract allows it
- File a mechanics lien (a claim against the property) if legal requirements are met
In South Carolina, mechanics lien rules are strict. Common guidance for S.C. lien deadlines includes that a lien claimant generally must file the lien within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials and must start an enforcement action within 6 months after the lien is filed or the lien expires. Because lien rights can create real pressure when you try to refinance or sell, it is smart to take the dispute seriously and keep your documentation tight.
How Long Do You Have To Sue a Contractor for Bad Work?
Deadlines depend on the legal claim and the details, but many South Carolina claims related to defective work are commonly discussed in terms of a 3-year statute of limitations, often tied to when you knew or should have known about the problem.
South Carolina also has a statute of repose for construction-related claims that can bar actions after a certain number of years from substantial completion, even if the defect is discovered later. Some summaries describe this as 8 years.
The Practical Approach to Refusing Payment
You can sometimes justify holding back payment, especially if the work is incomplete or defective, but do it the smart way:
- Put your complaints in writing.
- Tie the payment dispute to specific defects and contract terms.
- Give the contractor the required chance to cure.
- Keep records of every step.
- Avoid verbal “handshake” changes that are not documented.
Need Help After Poor Workmanship?
Need expert repair after poor workmanship? Contact Adams & Coe for trusted roofing and restoration services throughout South Carolina.