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We paid nearly $12k deposit for a bathroom renovation in our South Slope home at the end of last November; within a few days we were told the project had to be postponed until March. We requested our deposit be returned until then, and were told it would be. In late December, we were told the check was issued, but it never was. Then, we were told our money was used for another job and we’ve been trying to get it back ever since.

The designer, whom we had worked with before when he worked for a company in Bay Ridge, uncharacteristically began to ignore our phone and email messages. The owner of the company, based in Moonachie, NJ, has been less than truthful and also difficult to reach. When, by chance, we do speak with him, he just gives us the ‘ol run around.

We’ve already filed complaints with the NJ Better Business Bureau, NJ Attorney General’s office, and NYC Consumer Affairs, but that will still take several weeks before we hear anything. We’ve also contacted local media, but so far, no bites.

So, here’s the question: we’re very close to filing a civil suit, but before we do so were hoping to hear from anyone with experience and/or insight into such a prediciment. What is the likelihood that, even given a judgement in our favor, we’d be able to collect? Can anyone recommend a good attorney (in NJ) or advise us on other action to take?

It’s incredibly painful to think this money has just been stolen from us.

Thanks.