Home DIY

Legally speaking if there's no contract and you haven't signed anything then neither of you has a leg to stand on. Yes verbal contracts are a thing, but it would be their word against yours.

However, it is fair to pay them a fair amount for what they've done, so if you do want them out (and speed, or lack of, is a sound reason) then I'd agree with @Sumo that it's a good idea to work out what is fair and have that figure in mind before you have the discussion.

I would try and keep it amicable if at all possible, better all round.

I had to call our polished concrete contractor this morning - we've not had a great experience with them at all, issues with the floor inside and they recommended a different product to the one we originally selected because we had exterior areas too. Half way through doing the outside bits they then decided they don't do external concrete, it's too hard (?!).

After much discussion with the architect we decided we'd mutually agree to give up on the exterior bits if it wasn't going to work, as long as we didn't have to pay. Got told they'd be back Monday to finally finish off the interior part (which we've been waiting months for).

So, called them this morning. Architect had told them how unhappy we were and had a strop, told them we weren't going to pay any of the balance. Unsurprisingly they'd thought fuck that and had no intention of turning up. I had to make it clear that (if they actually finish it) we have every intention of paying for the inside, but would definitely not be paying them for the outside part, seeing as they'd cocked it up. Which seemed to be good news for them.

tl:dr - even when the shit hits the fan keep it fair and amicable if you want the best outcome.