"I'd hired Royal Plumbing & Heating before and they did a great job, so I hired them again to remodel the rest of my house, including the kitchen. I prepaid for kitchen cabinets and windows, electrical outlets, lights, and labor fees, but none of this work was completed.

"A payment schedule was part of the contract, and I paid a $7,500 deposit. I also paid after they completed the rough electrical and plumbing. Marc Tratenburg, the owner, asked for a check so he could order my kitchen cabinets. He cashed it, but then work slowed down and soon came to a complete halt.

"I repeatedly called him, and he gave excuse after excuse. Finally, I asked him to meet me at my house to show him the lack of progress and the damage his workers had done to my home. He said he'd talk to them and that they'd be back on Monday to resume work.

"On Monday evening, I found the tools and equipment were gone. He said they cleaned up and would be back the next day. I finally called the kitchen design company and asked if my cabinets were back-ordered, and the firm said he'd never given them money.

"I sent Mr. Tratenburg my punch list, and he left a voicemail stating he wasn't going to complete the job, as we have a 'conflict of interest,' and that I should take any action I feel is necessary. He hasn't returned my key or made an honest attempt to rectify what happened."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "Mr. Tratenburg needs to address the costs to complete the job as stated in our contract and reimburse me for monies I gave him for kitchen cabinets, a kitchen window and electrical work he never completed. He also needs to make restitution for the damage his workers did to my property.

"I'd like reimbursement for trash hauling, locksmith services, and incorrect door installation, and for him to correct and remove [some] drywalling, correct an electrical violation and rebuild a wall."

STATUS: Penalty Box