How to get contractor to finish, very few available workers

[Lorelei W.]

Hi!  I am in the finishing stages of a year+ gut remodel.  Challenges are living in a very expensive winter resort area with few available, very expensive contractors, and even fewer willing to take on remodels.  We found a contractor willing to take on the project after being turned down by others.  He would not bid and asked to be paid hourly to 'keep it fair' for both of us since we had no idea what we were going to find or the eventual scope of work.  We needed to raise the house to level a floor that was 4" off, but unfortunately it started cracking the walls and we had to stop.  Instead, we ended up needing to gut the place completely including replacing the floor beams.  We also ripped out the walls to update 1930's plumbing, electric and R2 insulation.  Now, things just seem to be going very slowly despite my list of items to complete the project by 8/1 that seemed very doable 2 months ago.  I know, my bad with no quote, no contract, no clear scope of work.  Many very expensive lessons learned.  I am just wondering if you all have any suggestions for how to complete the project.  We can do some of the work ourselves but have other careers keeping us busy.  He seems to be an honest guy, and I am at a loss.  I would love advice on what to do from here, rather than a list of what I could have done better.  Thanks so much in advance!