Business ProfileforCharco Design and Build Inc

We signed a home improvement agreement with Charco DB (Armando F*****) on **/7. We were asked to write a **k check for "Start scheduling and Ordering materials" that was cashed the same day. Before signing, we raised concerns about the payment schedule but Armando assured us this was normal. We now know it is in violation of state law "to collect payment for work not yet completed, or for materials not yet delivered", and also that it is a violation of state law that the agreement fails to mention this under the payment schedule. Work was scheduled to begin on **/17. That morning, Armando asked for another 20k check for the start of demolition. We refused because other conditions were unmet. However, we signed a change order. Told by Armando it had to be paid right away, we wrote him another check. We didn't know that this request was also in violation of state law. On the same day, a subcontractor began to demo one of the decks. Shortly after, he stopped because railings and a staircase would have had to be removed for him to proceed, and because he didn't have materials. When asked why he didn't have materials, we learned Armando had claimed he was waiting for us to pay him when he had already received checks for **k from us, including a **k check specifically for materials. We asked Armando to pay the subcontractor as promised. After first giving the subcontractor a post-dated check for **k, Armando eventually gave him a different **k check dated **/20. When the subcontractor attempted to deposit it, it bounced. As of 11/8, there has been no attempt by Charco to rectify this. With the exception of the removal of flashings, no work has been performed and Charco has shown no concern for the partially demoed decks despite recent rain. This is not professional or workmanlike as was promised in the contract. We have (so far unsuccessfully) asked to bilaterally terminate the agreement and asked for a refund. (We would pay for the porta-potty and subcontractor.)