ALT CONSTRUCTION

When I was in discussions with Jason prior to signing the contract, I had asked specifically how many workers would be on-site during the project. He informed me that he had 2 workers who would be with him and he would be there to supervise throughout the project. (Specifically, the signed contract does not state the # of workers). However, there were only a couple of assistants part time throughout the framing and drywalling process (one was his kid brother who I believe is 13). All other work was performed by Jason alone. Bottom line is that Jason continued to push out the completion date past the original date of 3/7. On 5/1, he informed me that he would be complete in 2 weeks and asked if he could have an advance on the final payment in order to finish the purchase of the audio equipment. As a good faith effort on my part (and partly in desperation because I wanted the project to be complete), I wrote him an advance of 1/2 the final payment (my check to him was $9k). Needless to say, the project continued to be delayed, primarily due to the tiling project. The weekend of Memorial Day, Jason came out to tile my workout area due to the fact I was having a brand new treadmill delivered and I needed that space completed. The work was shoddy at best so after that, I spoke with him about me hiring a professional tiler to come out and complete the job and split the cost 50/50. He assured me that he would be able to complete the tiling to satisfaction and would not consider hiring someone else. When the tiling was still not complete by 6/30, I spoke with him and informed him that he was to halt any further work on the basement until I contacted an attorney. During that conversation he admitted he was in over his head with the tiling as he underbid the job by $9k so he tried to take it on himself. He asked if he could at least have access to my home to come in and finish the rest of the project other than the tiling, sounding that in good faith he would. He asked me for an ultimate end date, I told him 7/16 and he assured me that he would be complete by then. He had full access to my home (and admittedly, I never had anything stolen or any issues otherwise) while I was out of the country during that time. When I returned on 7/11, the only work which had been done is 3 large plastic bags had been filled with trash (remaining in my basement of course) and all of his tools had been removed from my home as well as any of the unused tile (even though I consider that mine at this point). I have not heard from him since 6/30 nor have I contacted him since. I did change the lock on my home and he no longer has access. I have several pictures and video footage to support my claims of his lack of care and professionalism as my basement basically looks as if it has been burglarized. I actually had another contractor come out tonight to give me a quote to finish the job and he's taking a couple of days to consider if it's something he would even try.