Dan in Toronto

Mario was on site helping with window and door installation. He was asked to price us on siding by the contractor. He talked us out of siding, and into stucco, for our house exterior. We also agreed that he would tuck-point our chimney, replace our fireplace mantle and hearth, and tile a small area in our basement. We had a contract and gave him $11,500 at his request for materials and crew costs. After two weeks of work, he asked for $2,500 more for extra material. We agreed. After this, however, Mario showed up less and less. He only worked 1-2 hours per day. The project was stalling. He said that he needed $3000 more to pay a crew. We questioned him about his failure to show up HIMSELF, and to prove our money was in materials (as he said). He had no explanations and he refused to provide receipts or bring the materials over. He packed up his tools, took down the scaffolding, and has stopped answering his phone. It has been over 8 weeks now, and less than 20% of the job has been accomplished. Since he left, other contractors have looked at his incomplete work and have told us what he has done is essentially all wrong. Our house is presently half-exposed and subject to the elements while we look to obtain quotes to start over again.