[stevenvillatoro]

The OP seems to be in California. Our Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB: cslb.ca.gov) is an invaluable and 100% free resource for Californians. There is nothing a contractor fears/respects as much as the no-nonsense CSLB.

In three of my homebuilding disputes in the past decade, the CSLB did an initial quick intake assessment of facts to determine the merits of my cases, and then managed all aspects of resolution with the faulty subcontractors. They have recovered nearly a quarter million dollars for me, and put two deadbeat contractors out of business in this state. Again, zero cost to use their services, including hiring experts to inspect and testify at CSLB hearings, if necessary.

Any victim can also attempt to recover damages from the mandatory bond that all licensed contractors must carry ($15K limit now, I believe). Not an easy process, however, unless you already have a CSLB verdict to stand on.