Paul Davis Restoration Postponed restoration work 10 minutes before scheduled start time, Meridian Idaho

My complaint is that this contractor postponed project 10 minutes before his crew was scheduled to begin. 

Building is occupied and tenants needed to be relocated during project.  Contractor confirmed start date and time, tenants removed all items from project area, alternative living arrangements were made and paid for when contractor delayed project start 10 minutes before it was scheduled to begin.   

I received written quote and agreement terms and conditions on a Friday afternoon at 2:33pm via email.  I confirmed with contractor on the phone Friday morning and again Friday afternoon that project would begin Tuesday morning.  I had a couple of questions on the standard agreement and spoke with contractor on Monday morning about 8:30 am.   We discussed all of these items and it appeared to me that we were in agreement of some minor modifications/clarifications to the agreement.  I said I would write up those modifications and send them to him.   I again confirmed that the project would start the next day.  I would meet the contractor at the job site between 9:30 and 10:00 am to give them a check for 50% of the cost and I would deliver the signed agreement.   Alternative living arrangements were confirmed (and paid) after that phone conversation.  At 9:18 am, approximately 45 after our phone conversation discussing the agreement modifications, I emailed the contractor an agreement addendum including the following: 

"Contractor shall diligently proceed to finish project in a timely manner with no interruptions to work except necessary drying time or time lag required specifically by this project.   The property is occupied and tenants have been relocated.  Time is of the essence.  Contractor shall keep owner informed of progress.  Contractor shall inform owner of any changes, additional charges, or time delay as soon as practical." 

Contractor claimed that my addendum raised red flags and that there were additional documents I needed to sign, that they had not yet given me that were subject to the three-day right of rescission.  And now they wanted to delay the project.    There had never been any mention of a 3-day delay issue or concern until 10 minutes before they were scheduled to begin work. 

My complaint is the manner in which this contractor handled the scheduling and communication with me.   An agreement is between two parties.  One party should not demand a one-sided agreement with no room for discussion.  Additionally, the contractor was fully aware of the 3-day issue when confirming the schedule days before and there was never any mention of it until 10 minutes before they were suppose to begin.  This is totally unprofessional and caused me and my tenants great inconvenience and cost for alternative living arrangements.   My addendum is not unreasonable and merely requests the contractor proceed in a timely manner and keep me informed of any changes or extra charges.   Why wouldn’t that be standard practice for the contractor?