Mechanics Lean - nightmare

[Glenn Espinosa]

I have a small time handyman who I had tasked to paint my house, install closet hardware, install finishing material, as well as paint the foundation of my house.

These items were supposed to be completed Friday and have been pushed back from saturday, to monday, and up to now still not completed. So far he has painted the house but has not completed finish painting, the closets are still not complete.

We are in verbal agreement. No contract. He is not a licensed contractor.

As he is 3 days late with completing the work I have fired him. I have agreed to pay for his materials as well as the work he has completed (gauging price is a challenge as there was no itemized agreement, although I am giving him the benefit of the doubt and paying him in labor more than I believe he has completed).

He has threatened to put a mechanics lean on the property for the full amount agreed on and believes it is my problem for firing him and deciding to complete the project myself.

I reside in VA. I am considering paying up and wiping my hands clean of this guy if its less trouble and hassle than a mechanics lean. I simply do not trust this guy to complete any more work for me.

What are my options here?