Bad quality remodel / shoddy workmanship/general contractor issue

[Ewa Reza]

I got a very basic contract with general contractor from Los Angeles. The work promised to be completed in 6 weeks. I did not believe that and estimated for myself it will probably take 10 weeks max. It's been taking already over 5 months! With no timeline on paper I've been more than patient and understanding and let him keep working. The contractors has a very hard time scheduling and organizing and even remembering what we agreed on. Can't keep his sub contractors working for him either. I had 4 different electricians! 3 different tile guys! I have a list of 40 things for him to complete. His response is that it's either completed, either it's not in a contract (it was verbally agreed on). The "completed" items are poor quality. The house obviously looks like it has been remodeled but more like 5 years ago and by a handyman, instead of newly renovated by a professional. My legal counsel tells me to cease all communication with the contractor but I'm curious what you guys think? I'd like to get a discount, get rid of this guy already out of my life and be able to hire someone else to finish. The contractor does not want to discount the price based on quality of the work, or unreasonably long time he's taking to complete this project; despite him knowing he cost me a lot of $$$ in lost rent.