signed a contract march 4 for a $48k kitchen reno. paid $24k upfront. demo started march 18. they got cabinets installed (wrong color) and stopped showing up april 8. owner won't return calls or texts. i'm cooking on a hot plate in my living room and have small children.
their google reviews mention this happens regularly. they're an LLC in ohio. i don't know what to do first, call the cops? small claims? mechanic's lien? i'm overwhelmed.
also if there's a surety bond on their license you can file a claim against the bond. ohio commercial contractors are required to maintain bonds for exactly this reason.
get a new contractor in there ASAP to assess the work done so far and quote completion. that gives you the "cost to complete" damages number for your demand letter. don't let the project sit longer than necessary or it gets harder to prove what was unfinished.
(1) Documentation and assessment by a successor contractor (gets you damages number), (2) regulatory complaints to the OH licensing board and AG, (3) civil demand letter and lawsuit if needed. Likely damages are the unearned portion of the deposit plus cost-to-complete-minus-original-price differential.
Mechanic's lien is generally a subcontractor or supplier remedy, not yours as the homeowner. But you may need to file a release if subcontractors lien YOUR property for non-payment by the GC who took your money. Watch your mail.
Informational only.