Contractor says it’s too humid to paint

Q: I am having a painter come in and repaint some interior rooms of my home this month.

The painter told me it would only take a couple of days, asked for an advance payment of $500, and said he would start the next Monday.

So far it has been two weeks since he made that appointment and he has yet to start. I called the company and was told that because it has been raining so much, it’s too humid to paint. Is this true? If not, how do I get my money back? — Sandra L., Concord, N.H.

A: Excess humidity can have an effect on interior paint’s adherence to wall surfaces, causing paint to wrinkle, blister, crack and peel. So, if it is exceedingly rainy and humid outdoors, your painter may be exercising caution by delaying the work until the sun comes out, to avoid having to do the job all over again much sooner than anyone would like.

The contractor responded to your phone call, which is a good thing; however, he does need to confirm that as soon as the weather dries up, he will be over there doing the job he promised to do. Be polite but persistent in calling him daily and get him to commit to a time and date — after all, you have to take time out of your schedule to let him in to do the work.

I’m hoping you got some sort of estimate on cost and time in writing, or better yet, a written sales contract. But many contractors are hired with a handshake. If this is the case, set a time limit for him. If the contractor fails to start (and complete) the work within a certain period of time — say, a month from the time he said he would begin — I’d recommend you ask for the advance back.

If he fails to complete the job or absconds with your advance, you should certainly file a report with the Better Business Bureau and consider getting the money back through small claims court.