Handyman issue - Paid but no work

[Stephen Neto]

I gave a $1500 deposit to a handyman to replace porches on a multi family.  Said he needed it to purchase lumber. That was October 17. Funny thing is he has done other work for me it the mean while(painting). Did good job then got paid. But for some reason he is stalling on starting the decks.  He either doesn't like the hard jobs, spent my money or who knows what. When I asked for money back he said he ordered the lumber for the job.  I asked him for the order slip and still have not seen anything.  Now would you have to pay up front if you placed a lumber order?

Here's the kicker.  He is my insurance client. I insure his personal and commercial autos. He has even sent me referrals.

So I am holding off on telling him where to go but am frustrated that the work is not complete and the weather is not getting any colder.  Would an attorney help?

Stuck between a client and non responder.

[Aaron Poling]

@Stephen Neto The money is most likely spent. It sounds like he is stuck in a trap of taking money from today’s job to pay for yesterday’s. I would confront him about it and offer him a solution to make it right. Offer to purchase the material, have him do the work and keep the 1500 from the labor side. I have known a lot of contractors that have gotten them into this situation and most likely they aren’t trying to rip you off but just not good at bidding and handling cash flow.