COMPLAINT: Carol Mauer, Seattle

"Jose Cadiz [the owner] of Cadiz General Contractor was to clean, sand and re-stain my deck. He requested half the total cost of the job up front to book the appointment. The estimate was $2,200. I gave him a check for $1,100.

"Although he was very prompt in giving me an estimate to do the work, he cashed the check and never came back to do the work.

"He has refused to return my money. I called and e-mailed him many times, and he promised his crew would be here, but there was no effort to do the work or contact me with an explanation.

"When I did reach him, I requested a refund. He said the check would be mailed the next day. Days passed and I received no check.

"He stopped responding. So, I drove to his house and confronted him. He said his accountant had mailed the check. I still have no check and no response."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I would like a $1,100 refund."

STATUS: Penalty box