Paid $7,000 Upfront in Tucson & Contractor Ghosted After Demolition

[NotHereToPlay]

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So I’m in Tuscon Arizona.

Hired a local contractor I found through a friend-of-a-friend. He only used the name Ted. I was caught up in the whole thing and didn’t question much. We didn’t sign a formal contract, just a text message trail and a verbal agreement. He seemed “old school” been in the business a long time. Said he needed 70% up front for materials and scheduling. That came to $7,000.

He showed up for one day, tore down our existing patio structure, then disappeared. No returned calls, no materials ever delivered. I checked he’s not licensed with the ROC and doesn’t have a legit business listed anywhere. I also think the phone number turned out to be one of those internet numbers. Heck, I don’t even know if the guy who showed up to demo was actually the guy I was texting with.

Now I’m out the money, and worse, we’re left with a destroyed patio and a safety hazard in the yard.

Lesson learned: Don’t ever pay large sums upfront without a signed contract, business license verification, and a clear payment structure tied to project milestones. Just because someone talks like they’ve been doing this for years doesn’t mean they’re legit.

Hurts to write about it honestly but posting this so no one else gets burned like we did.

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[SmartRenter22]

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Wow this sounds almost exactly like what happened to my cousin in Phoenix. Different contractor, same M.O. cash up front, then radio silence.

Thanks for sharing the details. That “old school charm” is such a trap. Hope you’re able to recover something, even if it’s just through small claims or a complaint to the ROC.

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