ATA Contracting

*WARNING* This is a very dishonest contractor. I hired TV to pour a sports court in mid July, he was prompt with a reasonable quote and was a likable guy, we checked out his profile with WA state and noticed he had unpaid back taxes and an ongoing dispute with former customer that had cracks that he didn't feel was his fault. We discussed the issues with him and decided to go with him anyway. BIG MISTAKE! We gave him a $3,300 deposit and three days after he took the job I received a text saying he had a death in the family and would be out of town for almost three weeks. I don't doubt he had the family issue but I suspect he knew about having to leave before he took our job and hoped he could squeeze it in before he had to go, he was dishonest about it, when he realized it wasn't possible to complete the job before leaving he banked on us being stuck with him after making the deposit. We asked for a refund of our deposit and hired another contractor. Unfortunately he took our deposit and spent it and it has been a nightmare trying to get our money back. I gave him over 45 days to repay and we have had nothing but empty promises and bounced checks. Ultimately I am going to have to file against his bond. Some of his reviews seem good and he may do good concrete for all I know but he is not very honest businessman and knows all the tricks of the trade on selling and working customers. Think twice and protect yourself by not handing over any money until you see work.