I gave Robert a check for $1350.00 for engineering fees April 3, 2013. We met on 4/27/13 and he gave me the estimate. We signed a contract on 4/27/13. I gave Robert another check for $1350.00 for more engineering fees to develop plans for permitting and a deposit for the work as per the contract. When work hadn't started by June, I contacted Robert and he let me know that the contract was not executable on his end. He revised the estimate and raised it approximately 20%. This was not acceptable. I was prepared to release Robert from his contract at his request. However, in order to release him from his contract, I required the second check for the amount of $1350.00 to be refunded to me. I would not have given it to him if he had presented the revised estimate to me at that time. I am writing off the loss of the first $1350.00 as a lesson learned on my end. However, he failed to refund any money and refused to execute the contract. In most places, theft of $3700 is considered fraud. Be very aware and know your risk. I would rate him a zero if it was possible
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