Botelho General Maintenance

I hired Alan Botehlo after getting his name from a friend, saying he was between jobs. I called and met with him at the beginning of January and we agreed on the price of $800 for the removal of the old floor, laying and leveling of a new subfloor and installation of a new ceramic floor. We discussed how he would take $200 off the price if I wanted to work with him. He told me that he would need a $300 deposit. He took the deposit money and said he would be there on the following Sat. to begin demolition. I asked if he wanted me to get started, as I was anxious to have the work done. I started ripping up the old flooring (6 layers worth) and then the excuses started. My daughter is sick, my kids are with me this weekend, I have a wedding to go to, on and on and on. I finished the removal of the entire 20x18 by myself. Every time i spoke with him he told me to either call him Wed. evening or on Sat. morning. Being the trusting (sucker) soul that I am, I did as he said and he never answered or returned any of my calls. In April he changed his phone number. I was able to find his new phone and started leaving messages. When June arrived I had had enough and called to tell him that I would no longer need his services and I would like my money back. I heard nothing from him. In August I took him to small claims court. He never showed up but did call the court to say he was not coming but would be paying me back my money. After 30 days later and no communication I filed a "judgement" against him with the county. I have heard absolutely nothing from him. Here it is, Jan. 15, 2013 and I am still walking on a gutted floor. A couple of weeks ago I found another person who had once worked for him. Alan still owes him $900. His ex-employee said that he steals things on the sites. I came up missing the $100 Lowe's gift card I had purchased so he could get supplies needed for the job. DO NOT HIRE HIM FOR ANYTHING!!! Unfortunately, I learned a hard lesson.