Hi All, I am in Des Moines, IA.

I hired a company who called themselves Midwest Deck and Patio Pros to rebuild my back deck. Gave a $3,000 deposit. They dropped off materials, then disappeared for weeks. Ignored calls, texts, everything. After 30 days of nothing, I sent a demand letter and filed in small claims.

I showed up with:

Screenshots of all texts and emails – This is a big one. always start capturing this from the start even if things start off well. cover yourself then if you don’t need it, fine. but it’s better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

Deposit receipt – Always save receipts. Always.

Photos of unfinished work – A photo is work 1,000 words… or dollars. You get it.

The guy didn’t even show up to court. I won a judgment for the deposit plus filing costs.

Still working on collecting, but just wanted to say: don’t assume you’re powerless. Small claims can work if you keep records and stand your ground.