Contractor Ghosted You? Here’s What to Do.

If you’ve ever had a contractor stop returning calls, texts, or emails—you’re not alone. “Contractor ghosting” is one of the most common (and frustrating) complaints homeowners have when trying to get work done.

The good news? It’s usually a warning sign, and there are clear steps you can take next.

Why contractors ghost homeowners

In most cases, ghosting isn’t personal—it’s a symptom of a deeper issue:

• They’re overbooked and disorganized

• They underpriced jobs and are avoiding tough conversations

• They don’t have systems for scheduling or communication

• They chase new leads instead of serving existing clients

Unfortunately, when communication breaks down early, the project almost always suffers later—through delays, cost overruns, or rushed workmanship.

What good contractors do differently

Professional contractors understand that communication is part of the job, not an afterthought.

Good contractors:

• Respond promptly to calls, texts, and emails

• Set clear expectations about timelines and next steps

• Proactively update clients—even when there’s nothing dramatic to report

• Address delays or changes head-on instead of disappearing

• Treat communication as a sign of respect, not a nuisance

In short:

If a contractor can’t communicate well before the job starts, it won’t improve once construction begins.

What to do if a contractor has ghosted you

• Send one clear follow-up. A simple message asking for confirmation or a status update is reasonable

• Set a deadline. If there’s no response within a few business days, move on.

• Don’t chase indefinitely. Silence is information. Take it seriously.

• Re-evaluate before hiring. Reliability and communication matter just as much as price.

  
  

The HBCC difference: communication you can count on

At Honey Brook Custom Carpentry (HBCC), we believe great craftsmanship starts with clear, consistent communication.

That means:

• Prompt responses

• Transparent timelines

• Clear scopes and expectations

• Proactive updates throughout your project

We don’t disappear. We don’t leave homeowners guessing. And we don’t believe “no news” is acceptable communication.

Our goal is simple: You should feel informed, respected, and confident from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.