[emimoon]

Hi I recently bought a house that needed some work done. I hired a handyman out of the local paper in Modesto CA. He seemed on the up and up after the first job went okay. I ask if some remodel work to the kitchen (replace the counter top which lead to new floor and cabinets) and new floor in the bathroom. At first I would go buy the items with him or he would show me what he bought with receipt to back it up and I would pay by check. We had a contract with payment plan stating that the pay as you go for labor and parts as needed. Now he says taking us to small claims for $100.00 plus court costs saying I owe him more money and he gave us a discount.

He took three weeks in install the cabinets, cut and paste the single sheet vinyl(that he had cut it wrong), title the counter top and install the sink (title doesn't line up in some areas or some of the titles around the sink sticks out). After saying it would only take 8-9days (verbal nothing written ) All the while taking personal time to do other things, talking too much, and making 2-5 trips to Homedepo a day while only working a average 4 hour day at the house. He didn't clean up after himself either I have pictures . He had a yelling fit with me in front of my 13 month old when I wanted to him just to finish the kitchen the bathroom would handled later on. He left two threatening voice mails 1. "I know where you live your neighbors tell me everything I know when you're home when you leave..." 2. " I got keys to your house pay me the f@$king money". I had written in ink on the contract to the kitchen "last payment received" and dated it which he signed the check also has last payment for kitchen on it.

What can I do if I end up in court I don't want to even see him let alone give him more money. This has stressed me out to the point I don't want to leave the house answer the phone I can't sleep well and I lost weight.

[tickle]

I hope you kept the voice mails and anything defamatory remark he ever wrote you as evidence in court. You will have to go to court if you are summoned.

Tick

[twinkiedooter]

If you haven't changed the locks to your home do it now!

Also, if you do have photos of this guy's handy work, by all means take the photos with you to Court. Any paperwork showing what you paid such as cancelled checks, receipts, etc also take with you.

More than likely he's just blowing smoke but then you never know if he will actually go through with the threat of taking you to Court. Sounds like you'll win hands down with all your evidence.

Now, get a good night's sleep as this guy is definitely not worth worrying about.