so regret employing this man

Paid deposit 22 November 2025 (after lots of messages saying prices would go up very soon). Suddenly no contact at all. December he was "too busy" to do the work. Promised to contact me in January. NOTHING. I contacted him 9 February 2026. Eventually sent his team 18 February, nearly THREE MONTHS LATER. Team was late, he didn't bother to show up til after 11. Didn't come back to personally inspect the work. But boy was he no longer busy after that. Got numerous whatsapps and phone calls, including over weekend, demanding rest of payment. I told him there was a lot of sand that had been dumped in pool, to which he rep**** he usually worked in empty pools (he had come earlier in November to check pool, so knew there was water - but apparently it was now my fault that there was a whole lot of sand at bottom of pool). Worst experience I've had in 7 years. I firmly believe there is NO after work support once payment is done. Also think he's one of those old school types, who would have been much more efficient and respectful if I were a man. So relieved I never have to see or deal with this man for the rest of my life. Paving work was fine. But I would insist on a contract with start date and clean-up plan if you're forced to use him.