Elegant Concrete Engraving review: Took money for projects never completed (THEFT)

We met this company at a home show in Sarasota, Florida. We initially contacted them about a lanai resurfacing, but we also wanted to have a side fence installed.

They came to our home, and were very high pressure to begin the lanai resurfacing the next day. We discussed the remainder of the project, and they looked at it, and determined that they could do it. There were red flags, in addition to the high pressure of starting the next day. For example, they wanted us to be the general contractor, and to get the permit ourselves.

We signed two contracts for the work. The next day, they came out, and did the lanai resurfacing. The team messed up the job, causing damage to the walls around the area, and completely trashing the pool (with debris). We had to pay $300 to have the pool cleaned.

We had a stipulation in our second contract that if the permit could not be acquired, the company would refund the money for the second project (the wall). After spending $300+ on permitting, and $1000 on a wall plan, it was determined that the code simply stated that our project was not possible. At this point, we started to try to get our money back. The company would not return our money (or our calls, once these requests started!) We are out over $5000 in work not performed that was paid for.

The company is still in business, but stole our money, and has never returned it. We are looking at legal options, but we have absolutely referred this to our county sherrif as a criminal complaint. Hopefully, they will be prosecuted.

This company has numerous, numerous complaints with the local Better Business Bureau. We also filed one, which was never resolved.

All we wanted was our money returned for the work which could not be performed.
Avoid this company at all costs!