Rick's Painting/Handyman

Called in June, 2013. Made arrangements for July 5, 2013 home visit for estimate on work. After a series of delays on his part, and numerous unreturned/delayed phone calls, he finally called to do the work December 16, 2013. Worked 1 and 1/2 hours Dec 18, just over an hour Dec 19, and approximately 7 hours on December 20th. Would rate quality of work C+ at best. Left surround unfinished, a pipe leaking, and left all garbage here to be removed. He called to collect payment on Dec 23. He showed up with a typewritten bill, nothing itemized, for materials and labor in the amount of $1200 which was nearly double the agreed upon estimate. He charged $600 for materials and $600 for labor. He had no receipts for materials and claimed the faucet for the sink was almost $200 itself. Luckily, since we had the garbage, we had the faucet's original box with the price on it: $89.99. He was paid one half of the bill today in cash and will be asked to provide all receipts for all other materials before being paid the balance. He did the work for my mother, an 80 year old, and I believe he took advantage of her. She waited 6 months for him to do the work because he had family issues, and she felt sorry for him when she could have hired someone else. I also think he grossly overcharged her because he felt he could.
On a positive note, he was very respectful, addressed my mother as Mrs.--, and was always polite.
This is a copy of the ad he has in the local paper:
RICK'S PAINTING/HANDYMAN we build and remodel inside/outside your home painting wallpapering plumbing textured ceilings ceramic tile drywall siding/soffit/fascia decks Great prices on bathroom/kitchen remodels. 814-886-5504 Rick Novella PA045341