Part of the education process! When I make mistakes like this ( choosing the wrong people) I take the blame for not doing my due diligence.
However the work is obviously bad and you say they presented themselves as professionals with bond and license. I usually do not fool with any courts and just add it to my education ( but I think , in this instance you should go to court. It will be good education for you and a good remembrance for the future.) You should take a lot of pictures from different directions and make sure you have something on the floor to show the different reliefs and problems. Then I would get a professional ( perhaps from a store and get them to look at the floor and give you a written opinion, knowing they might well be asked to testify later. ( pay them ) After you get it well documented then get it fixed or replaced and then you will have great pictures of the after floor. Make sure you send them three registered letters asking them to repair or replace as needed to agreed work standards. It is important that you allow them the right to make it good ( even though they will probly refuse.) ( If they should happen to want to fix it you can hire someone to watch over them.)
Then you are ready for court,
If you have the pictures and samples of good work, your paper work and inspected from a reliable person I cannot see how you would not get your total money back up to the limits of the court. Document any expenses you occur as to getting estimates inspections time and ect to add to your court papers for reimbursement.
Do not forget to write letters to the licensing board, city licensing dept, and any one else you can think of.
If you go to court go prepared or do not go at all!
