Communicate status to client and let him know options one of which is return all equipment minus restocking and admin time.

Once the property closes escrow you have no place to install the equipment.

You might give the client a reasonable amount of time to respond but have a deadline such as 'we're prepared to finish on or around our original schedule but if you do not respond by XX-XX-XX we will proceed with option 2 and refund the balance of the project after restocking is completed.'

It's not a crisis but it's still a problem as you have warehouse space and schedule to manage. Plus the time to send the stuff back.

I would just wait.

You cant lose money on the job. Just ask for a formal email to stop work. Then your not breaking the contract.

What if in all the commotion they forget all about you. Or new person moves in wants higher end stuff. And you could make more money.

I wouldn't just drop the stuff off at the house either. Pretty sure UNTILL it's installed its still under your liability.

As long as your not in a bind financially from this,talk to the new owner.
Gain his trust.see if they want a similar system that now belongs to your existing client.

If you can give them what they desire with the equipment already delivered,it's a win win situation!

As a side note,my brother in law is a very successful business lawyer and he recommended that you try to avoid lawyers altogether!

That is exactly what I am doing (waiting).

I have not heard a peep out of the client. I know they were pushing for escrow to close mid/late last week so there is a pretty good shot it isn't even his home anymore (so no delivery). I doubt they even set foot back in their now former home, just called some movers to pack/move all their stuff.

My contact info is on the equipment rack so the new homeowner has a way to get a hold of me if the previous homeowner hasn't passed my info on.

My only real concern is that the clock is ticking on returning the bulk of this stuff. I don't want to wind up stuck with it or in a situation where someone expects me to restart the job instantaneously. Probably give them another week, if no contact then all this stuff goes back.

Can you return the items that are close to the end of the return policy, and then repurchase them later if needed? Or talk to your supplier about the issue and ask for an extension?

Craig

Update of sorts.

All equipment has been returned, still no communication from the client, his wife or his financial guy (been CCing everybody on emails).

If I don't hear anything from them by the end of the month I am going to consult with an attorney to get an idea of what my legal obligations are.