Mendoza Yardscapes

Now more than six weeks past the original deadline, and work is roughly half complete. Contractor has been paid in full according to the original bid. Concrete walkway in front yard has been laid, but no acid stain coating. Patio cover extension is half complete. Trees/shrubs have been planted but are in danger of dying because drip system hasn't been repaired. Grass is turning brown because drip system can't be used. Backyard perimeter border has been laid, but no gravel has been poured within it and heavy weeds are sprouting throughout. Concrete foundation for fountain has been laid, but no fountain installed. ... When it became clear the original April 5 deadline would be missed, contractor made excuses, and we politely agreed to extend deadline one week to April 12. What followed were more excuses and more polite pushing back of the deadline until we finally got fed up. I called this contractor on May 2 to let him know of our frustration. He responded by angrily shouting at me on the phone, using large amounts of profanity, and eventually hung up on me. During this call, he complained to me at least once that he had "underbid" the project, as if this were somehow OUR fault. A week later, on May 9, we threatened (via text message) him with legal action if he didn't complete the work by May 17, a full six weeks past the original deadline of April 5. He responded with a simple "ok," but still hasn't made significant progress. On May 13, my girlfriend (the person who hired him) called him to clarify what he meant by "ok," and he again responded with shouting and profanity, saying, "I'm sick and tired of your f**king phone calls." ... On May 22, we filed a suit in small claims court against this contractor's company.