DCS Contracting Services

The project was for basement finishing. He was supposed to take care of all permits to legally finish the basement first out of the deposit and then would have been reimbursed after the permit came. He said normally, clients take care of the permits but we were hesitant on giving him a huge chunk as a deposit, $150000 so he verbally agreed to take care of all permit costs,(engineering/architect costs plus the city permit costs. We trusted him and gave him the deposit for a project costing $75000. we gave him %20 percent($15000) upfront which was our mistake. He paid the engineer partial costs and is refusing to pay the city. When asked what the deposit was for, his explanation is that its for planning the project. To date, hasn't dropped off any materials or anything to show for the $15000. On top of this he wanted $30000 after the permit before starting any work. so basically, would have gotten %60 of the money before even dropping any material or starting any work. Even in the middle of this, he kept asking for more money to buy materials but I strictly said no till he gets the permit, advised him to use the $15000. Now he's refusing to pay the city for the permits. Decided to cancel and asked for our deposit back. He cut the call and wont pick up or respond now. Save yourself the trouble and stay away from this guy. I wish I read his review earlier. He doesn't even give a proper contract, all he gives is some invoice.