Robert Lee Concrete

Dealing with this company was a nightmare. To start off with, he missed the first 1 or 2 appointments to give an estimate. I should have looked elsewhere at that point, but "live and learn" I guess. On the work date, the front steps went OK, but there was a small problem in the back. My air conditioner sat on a space where we were going to put concrete, but he hadn't thought about having it disconnected prior to pouring concrete, so when I asked about it, we had to call another contractor to do that on very short notice. The concrete patio itself is just as I wanted, but he talked me out of the concrete steps we originally discussed, saying that it might lead to more cracking of the concrete later. Instead, he pushed for the faux concrete steps, which I accepted. He then stated that he needed the money up front so that he could buy the steps, and I foolishly agreed, paying him in full for the job. Approximately a week later, I called and he said that the wrong steps were made, and that he would deliver the steps when they arrive. Another week or so later, I called again, and he became angry with me for asking about them, saying that he already told me he would deliver them when they arrive, with a lot of attitude. It is difficult to describe an attitude in text, but imagine talking to an uppity teenager, and you are probably close. From this point forward, he wouldn't answer any calls (except one, to say that it would be delivered that weekend), and he would never return a voice mail. Needless to say, the steps were not delivered on that weekend. When I couldn't reach him, I finally stopped by his house to tell him I would simply pick them up myself if he told me where they were, and that I would sue if he didn't. When he got the message from the babysitter, he called me back and began a yelling and cursing tirade, and even threatened to "bash my *Expletive* head in. When I told him that he was a liar and a thief for taking my money and not finishing the job, and breaking numerous promises, he simply said repeatedly the proverbial "prove it" and "you can't prove anything." Eventually, he agreed again to deliver the steps first thing this morning. Of course, it is nearing the end of the day now, and no steps to be seen. This is over 6 weeks from the work date now. I am now considering the lawsuit to reclaim costs, but perhaps warning others to stay away from this guy will be sufficient. I have learned a few things out of this. Never pay a contractor until the job is 100% completed, no exceptions. Hold them to the same standards you would for any other employee. Make and keep a detailed list of work to be performed, itemized costs, and work completed. Pictures are a good idea also, before and after. I highly recommend staying away from this guy for any project.