Business ProfileforKaiser Restorations

On March 25, 2022 we paid $2,000 to Kaiser Restorations as a down payment for their work to be completed by May 2022 for a deck to be added on the back of our home. Per their invoice (which I will attach) states, "$2,000 Deposit for deck repairs and new covered deck build". On April 7th we paid $123.93 for their guy to come out and do measurements. At this point we voiced concerns as to why the work was not being completed as per the contract it was set for May. On July 13th we received an invoice for an additional $1,516.70 for permits. We asked Kaiser Restorations to please use the $2,000 down payment towards this fee as we were a little skeptical about giving them any more money with the delays/excuses we have been given as to why work hasn't started. *** Kaiser who is the owner proceeded to tell us that our $2,000 has already been used on "permit meeting on site setting up the architect". I then asked him to please provide me with an invoice showing where/what the $2,000 was spent on, but he refused. His exact words were "That is just not happening. We are no longer interested in working with you going forward. Please read a contract before you sign it we have been over and over this stuff and I am wasting valuable time but I can devote to paying customers". Therefore, he has terminated my contract without explanation and in my eyes took $2,000. I understand that per contract this money is non refundable, but also per their contract we are required to pay this $1516.70 and I just do not feel comfortable giving them any more money. I am asking for direction on how to handle this matter. I have attached email conversations, invoice, and contracts.