I hate when the law protects scumbags. It shouldn’t be difficult. You gave the guy 14k. He provides material receipts, hours worked, and deducts that amount from 14k then owes the difference. It really annoys me that it’s a contractor. I know many people in the construction business including my father. Guys like this scumbag make many people believe all contractors are out to rob them. Sounds like you’re dealing with a true piece of 💩. Sorry to hear about this but I would tell you not all contractors are like him. I wish you lived closer, so I could recommend someone. I hope you get a decent amount of your money back when it’s all said and done.