Mechanics lien on Flip property for undone work and no contract

[Christopher Dunson]

I have someone who had no license when doing work for me, and now has a handyman's license organizing and subcontracting work on my flip. Initially, I told him that I may have to wait to pay him $15000 for work done until the house sells. He said that's perfectly fine. I have done 3 projects with this guy, and never had a problem. This is a first. I was able to pay him for everything up until we had about $4500 left. We had a disagreement, when I told him I have to wait till the home sells for the rest, and he left without finishing. He only finished around $2000 of work. Later he told me I owe him $4500, I need to pay him, and he'll finish the work. I told him I want to pay him, but he will have to wait. He put a lien on my property for all of the work including the unstarted and unfinished work plus $3500 for nothing. I cannot sell the home, therefor I cannot pay him.

I have since finished the remaining work with somebody else, and got a leaky roof( which he subcontracted out, and then would not give me the phone number to call, nor did he send the roofer back). There are numerous things I later found besides the roof that are done badly or unfinished, ex: 10 outlets not working, or not grounded, or reversed.

I have an offer on the house to close in 28 days, and am looking for quick solution, and or long term action, as trying to mediate the situation with him face to face seems to be costing me and getting me nowhere. Thank you.