Contractor demands final payment

[Sisto Averno]

So, short of the long...here is my text conversation with my contractor whom I've never used before:

Contractor: Morning this is ***** please call me when you get this I need to talk to you about this balance I gave you a huge discount on my price and I need to pay my sub contractors

Me: Can't call right now, driving back from Del. I will call you later today. Final payment will be made when job is completed.

Contractor: Wow ok You tell me what is left

Me: Here is the itemization of things that were overlooked...

*Trim molding around the island

*Stairs

*No shelves in pantry

*Casing around the window

*1 pendant light left to hang

*Register vent covers and air vent under the island

*Finish baseboard molding and register vent along the wall

*Paint/Spackle touch up around the walls

*Tile back-splash not finished

*Cabinet hardware not installed

*Lazy susan not attached

Contractor: (sends me a copy of the bill) and says, "Ok we will address all concerns you have but will not do additional work like the steps until balance is paid"

Signed,

Please advise!!!

[Uriah D.]

Sisto Averno you said you have never used this contractor before? Typo? Either way, never make final payment until all items on the written scope are completed. Also you should have a subcontractor agreement or contract and a written scope outlining when they are going to receive payment and how much the payment will be for. Also, we have in our agreement that no change orders Will be approved or paid for unless written and signed by contractor and owner. We had a painter a couple weeks back threaten to put a lien on the house for his $1200 final payment. I am formed him that I would be happy to pay him $1200 as soon as he's done with blue tape items. He said pay me first I said "not going to happen". Tell your guy to meet you at the house and finish up items and you will have a check for him with a lien waiver