I've been stiffed on a $1200 dollar bill by a homeowner for work on an addition to his home.I didn't have a detailed written contract,just a written estimate and a gentlemens handshake to seal the deal.He says I'll never see the money...so I brought him to small claims court...which I have been to 4 times already and the case hasn't been heard yet.This is the 1st time in my 18 years that I've been stiffed on a bill.Other contractors have said that I should have just put a LIEN on his house.I work in Massachusetts.

What do you do to collect from deadbeat homeowners??? [Linked Image]