Same for me. Quotes competitively , saw he can start straight away. He wanted money upfront . I wanted copies of payment for materials and he gave me fake invoices. Gave me 43 excuses for not turning up to do work when he promised - most exhausting experience of my life. It has been over a year and job not finished. Concrete driveway got done, front fence got done but is now starting to lean and not constructed well. He painted it the wrong colour and then corrected with a single coat only. he said drainage not necessary but now my front yard is a pond where lilydale topping was put down. He said he got permits for work but didn't and when council sent me fines he said his Zio(uncle) worked at Moreland council and he would sort. I ended up paying the fine! I am gutted ! He gave me a one line quote and I insisted on itemised and he still didn't do the job to agreed specifications . All very stressful. I wanted to go local and burnt and now find it hard to trust any contractor. Not sure what to do - His mobile is now disconnected ?

Approximate cost: $9000