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I wanted some outside opinions on a situation with a cabinet installer.

A friend referred me to his brother, who does cabinet work. Because he was the brother of a friend and came recommended, I trusted him and didn't insist on a formal written contract.

Early on, he mentioned that he would draw up a contract, but one was never presented to me. At no point was I given a written agreement stating that the deposit would be non-refundable.

We had a consultation on September 18 and agreed on a cabinet project for approximately $5,000. I paid a $2,500 deposit through Zelle on September 24.

The installer purchased used cabinets from Facebook Marketplace for about $700 and a kitchen island for about $60 for the project.

Before paying the deposit, I knew he had a family vacation coming up. I was fine with that, and we agreed he could start after he got back.…