I would like to know if I am legally bound to go to arbitration. As well, do I legally owe him money if the company I orginally signed a contract he is no longer doing business as? If the original contract can not be enforced, because he is doing business under another name and can not accept payments to the first company he representative himself to..can I get the work done by another contractor? Would be more than willing to deduct cost of work from any monies owed him as I feel I am morally obligated to do?

Then he is in default of his agreement with me to call in another person to handle the situation, correct? Can the work be done by another contract while waiting for arbitration? My fear the lack of addressing the existing issues with the siding can lead to damage to my home. Who picks out the arbitrator? Have no clue what arbitration involves. Is it a timely and costly process?

So it is acceptable to an arbitrator that I proceed with the work in fear of damage to my home? I tell him that I will sign an agreement to go to arbitration per "AAA" rules and include in it a statement that I will proceed with an outside contrator to fix the existing problems in order to avoid damage to my home?   If he refuses, I am assuming the next step will unfortunately be a lawsuit? Do I sit back and let him sue me and hope the courts then feel he is responsible for my attorney fees? Or do I persue the suit? The whole situation is beyond the siding. He came to do capital improvements on my home due to a fire. Most of the work I am completely satisfied with but at times it was a fight to get things done properly. Provided me with a bill in June now says he has to put together a bill. Taxes showed on the first bill, questioned it and he said he shows cause that's what his accountant advises him to do. He had a stroke several months after we went into contract and personally I believe his mind was affected. Waiting now to see the bill he is going to be presenting to go into arbitration. The changing of companies, etc. is leading me to believe he is not on the up and up with many areas and tries to collect tax monies from customers unlawfully. I had my head up my butt when this all first started because I was taking care of my mom who was dying. Three years of total craziness and it continues. Thank you very much for you input.

If it falls to a lawsuit, I am still in the right to safeguard my home? Would it be wise to get several estimates for repair? Other problem did arise when outside siding contractor was here. He advised me the company which manufacturered the siding is discontinuing the type I have and it would not be available in the near future. Another reason I need to more forward immediately. This is how I got stuck into residing the complete house to begin with. Only the backwall was damaged. Discontinued siding gave me the only option to move what was on one area on the house to the back wall so it would and use another type that would compliment the house. Contractor said it was doable..only to find out afterwards faded differently and had to replace all of it. Life is good, eh?   Thanks!