[Danimal16]

Milt has it right. Small claims is a very valuable tool.

I play no favorites anymore. If someone tries that crap with me the first thing I don't want is their business and secondly I want to make sure that folks know I will fight for what is right.

You can approach him with your view that you had an agreement, that you trusted him, that times are hard for you too, you put other work off to take care of him etc. If he balks at integrity issues, he is fair game.

If he has a license, wright letters to the licensing agency, it may not help you out but it will impact his admin burden. If he has some type of insurance, file a claim. Now these things may not put the cash in your pocket but the cost for him to fix it will far exceed his agreed to price.

Remember that a small claims filing will show up for others to be aware of. It works and if anything it establishes your integrity to do what is right for you, your workers and your family. You gave your time. You can't get it back and he stole it.