Look at your contract. What is his responsibility to please you?

I once had a "sensitive" finish carpenter on one remodel. I was so stunned when I saw the new solid brass door knobs he had installed on the double doors that led to the hall closet - they were uneven by about 1/2 to an inch) that I told him they looked as if my husband had installed them. He left and told the GC that I had "hurt his feelings". "Hurt his feelings"? What was he - a five year old girl? She had to cajoal him to come back and finish the job - said he was "very sensitive". Geeze...grow up.

No, your guy does not seem professional at all.

Have you tried talking to him in person? Some people don't react well to emails or texts, but may do better with face to face (or not, but it's worth a try).

Communications can be a major issue in building, I know, and it's important to be very clear about what you want before the contractor does it, rather than assume he's going to do it one way while he assumes something else entirely. We didn't have major issues with our contractor when we were building, but a couple of times we had to point out that something wasn't what we expected - like incorrect placement of a rain shower, or the wine fridge not fitting under the counter. We pointed out the problems and asked what could be done to get things the way we wanted - no accusations, just a request for him to use his ingenuity. He came through on both things, and a few others besides. (Mind you, he was pretty professional, just a bit inattentive to what we told him at times).

Without knowing the dynamics, or whether the problems involve sloppy workmanship or simple misunderstanding, it's a bit hard to comment further.

Your contractor( I assume you mean GC?) is 'completely' unprofessional.....period!!!!! Agree about the contract, what is in it? How far are you in the building faze? I would drop him like a rock and O/B the rest. ALL the 'contractor' is looking at is how much money they can make!!

What does your architect recommend?

Sounds terrible.

When you called references did you ask them about the GCs communication style? I ask because that is one of the questions I asked my references.

Do you own the land? And is this a cash build or a bank draw situation?

If the architect is not named in the construction contract as providing construction oversight, the GC should be directing questions to you. Because of these kinds of problems, I will not design a house unless I am named as the architect in the construction contract. Some builders don't like owners looking over their shoulders, not that many like architects doing it either, but an architect can spare the builder the humiliation of being called out in front of his employees and subs. My clients are unlikely to know about many issues that don't involve a change in cost.

I was once hired to mediate between an owner and builder who could not get along. I discovered that they both had understandable complaints and told them to communicate through me and that ended the conflict.

You should have on site meetings weekly to discuss the plans for the week (readiness) and any open issues. Face to face. Regularly scheduled. Clear expectations. Bring a tape measure, level or anything else you need to make your points. Write down what was discussed, and follow up with an email.

First part of the meeting the next week is to review the issues from last week.

Generally, I am against souring a relationship unless it is beyond repair. It sounds like yours is approaching that point. I would advise a 10 minute phone call with your attorney and a response that says something like, "My attorney has advised that I continue communications as they are now. I understand that this is frustrating for you, and apologize for any inconvenience, however, given the situation we currently find ourselves in this is simply what is required."

Having said that, the above is really the nuclear option. If you have an acceptable relationship with just one sticking point, you probably want to avoid telling him that these are not corrections so much as evidence. There is a chance that it will sour things much further, and I would loop in your attorney before you say anything.

Just my 2¢.

Your architect knows more than we do about the issues and personalities involved so that is the best person to ask for advice. Maybe he would be willing to take a more active role in the project so you could step back from it.

I would not mention your lawyer until you have decided to terminate the contract.

I would also find another contractor who is willing and able to take over before you part ways. If not it could end up taking longer than his 365 days.

Before you decide to terminate your contract with this builder, be sure to read and re-read your construction contract and the conditions pertaining to termination.

Why was the home not dried in before drywall and other finish trades were brought in? Are there other similar big impact errors being made? Some errors are a minor fix at a later stage. Some errors compound themself as they go along. Those are the ones that need to be corrected early.

I’d hire your architect to come in and review the build so far. And talk with your attorney about your contract, and the possibility of severing the relationship. Once you have both of those professionals review the situation, you will have the information needed to weigh in on separating yourself from him, or hiring an Owner’s Representative to be more involved in the site. Either will cost you more money than you budgeted originally. You just have to figure out which has less drawbacks. Good luck with your project!