I hired a licensed contractor to do a job for $6500. We paid $2500 and he had his guy work for a while , then asked for more money ($2000) f...

Question

I hired a licensed contractor to do a job for $6500. We paid $2500 and he had his guy work for a while , then asked for more money ($2000) for materials. He then didn't buy materials, didn't return to work and is avoiding phone calls. He also had his guy collect tools, and then set up but missed 3 meetings. I told him I will sue but he doesn't seem to care. I found out that he has no bond and his license is suspended. I asked if he is planning to finish the job and he says yes (by text), but won't say when and won't meet me. There was no written contract.

I don't know if I will be successful by suing him or if he cares if I file a complaint with the state license board. Also I don't know if it is considered abandonment if he says he will finish but won't say when or meet me.

Answer

The guy has no license and no bond, is unreliable, and not too concerned about you or your job. Why would you want to continue doing business with him? Contracting without a license, or with a suspended license, is a crime. You could report him to the police - although they probably won't do much for you. You should file a complaint with the CSLB.

Since he is unlicensed, you can sue him for the full amount you paid, plus whatever it will take to complete the job over the original estimate.

Take him to small claims court.

Do not let him come back. Get a new contractor to finish the project.