A Dartmouth homeowner has lost his appeal of an order to finish the exterior cladding of his house within 60 days.

The case falls under the dangerous and unsightly premises bylaw and involves a property at 92 Crichton Avenue.

The owner of the property, Richard Doucette, acknowledges different phases of the construction project have taken place since 2009. He argued the building permit doesn't expire until September 2015 for the substantial renovation.

"I'm not building a little shed in my backyard. This is a major construction for a homeowner to take on and a major investment," said Doucette.

A couple of councillors on the Appeals Committee agreed with Doucette, but the majority were concerned with the amount of time the renovations are taking.

"Do you think it's reasonable for a neighbourhood, no matter where it is ... to endure that type of construction for four, five or going on six years?" asked Councillor Bill Karsten.

Doucette's appeal was voted down four to two and he has just over a week left to try to finish the exterior work.

Richard Norman, Doucette's lawyer, says his client has not ruled out taking the matter to court.

"Mr. Doucette is going to consider all his options which include legal options. There has already been legal action on this matter," said Norman.

Doucette is already taking the city to court over a $6,000 legal bill for a previous order to finish the exterior construction. That order was dropped after Doucette alleged Councillor Gloria McCluskey was in a conflict of interest by helping lay complaints about the property and then voting on the matter.

There's been no ruling on that matter yet.