Hey I’m in Philadelphia, PA.

This was my first time hiring a contractor on my own it was a small rowhome, needed my bathroom gutted and redone.

He came recommended by someone in a Facebook group. Only know his as Dan. We met, walked the space, and he gave me a quote that felt fair. Said he’d need a $3,500 deposit to get materials and book the job.

I paid. That was 3 months ago.

Since then? Excuses. First he had the flu. Then his truck broke down. Then “family emergency.” I gave him multiple chances, but now he’s just not responding.

No contract. No receipts. Just Venmo and a string of texts.

It’s embarrassing to admit, but I know I’m not the only one this has happened to. Posting here so other first-timers don’t fall into the same trap. I’ve learned the hard way. Trust but VERIFY.