How long to wait before firing/going to another contractor?

[William Taylor]

I initially hired this contractor ~4 months ago. He has been doing great work, and we are close to the end (last 10% probably). I have only paid him ~35%, as we had an agreement due to tight budgets, and he would be repaid after I was able to refinance.

A few weeks ago we had our permit inspections, and there were some things to fix, plus the rest of our punch list for the general remodeling we were doing, but I haven't been able to get a hold of him for the last week and a half. I have tried email, text, and calling (voicemail box is full). I just cannot get a hold of him!

How long should I wait until moving on to another contractor?

Some notes:

• * We have a pretty loose contract. Literally just specifies the scope of work (but not materials or anything), or a completion date. It does specify pay dates, but that was based on finishing on time (we're a month behind schedule)
• * Communication has always been bad with him, but I usually can get a hold of him within a few days
• * Plumbing permit is in my name, but building permit is in his name
• * I really don't think he's avoiding me specifically - several of his tools are still at the house, and I tried calling on a another phone and he didn't answer that either

Not really sure what to do here. Do I call up the contracting board? Lawyer up? Or just hire another contractor and subtract whatever they charge me from the amount I owe the original contractor?

Thanks in advance.