My contractor is a crook, need advice.

[Jill Rossi]

Hi folks, I'm new and working on my first flip and have hired a contractor who turns out to be a crook, like an actual criminal record in numerous states. I hired him through thumbtack but did most of my corresponding with him via the phone so there isn't an iron-clad trail and now that I've started to pursue him through thumbtack he is acting like he doesn't know who I am. I do have a written contract but his business name doesn't line up with his name on Thumbtack. So many red flags, I can't even count. I'm out about $2k for unfinished work & holding costs. What would you do? My sister wants to take him to court I'm just tired now - it's been 3 months for a simple cosmetic remodel that should've taken 2 weeks. Would you take him to court or chalk it up to an expensive lesson and walk away?

[Adam Schneider]

@Jill Rossi I agree with the comments above about chalking it up vs. going to small claims court if you have to file in Charlotte while living in Raleigh. I would recommend a couple steps:

1. If he is licensed, I'd reach out to the licensing board and file a complaint.

2. I'd reach out to the Charlotte REIA--it's a very well established organization--and see if this guy is a member of the REIA. The local REIA might help.

Adam