Kathy in Toronto

I met with Ron in early March after a referral from a contractor. We discussed what I was envisioning for the backyard - removal of a portion of current garden material to replace with a new patio and new garden beds. Ron expressed interest in taking on the project making it clear that the project would not start until the end of June specifically June 24. I wasn't in a huge hurry as long as it was completed early July. We proceeded to discuss design, plant options, stone options making decisions as the June 24th start date approached. Ron provided a contract for my review in the meantime. I discussed the plant details listed in the contract and noted that they were not all suitable for the deep shade conditions in areas where they would be installed, otherwise I was ok to sign. Ron agreed and said he would look at alternative better suited options, revise the contract details and return to me. He also said he would look at his files for pictures of more stone options as well just to be certain of final decisions, although we had identified on a most likely option already. Ron said all would be provided by the evening of Saturday, June 22 in time for the start date of June 24 which he confirmed over and over was a go. June 24th came and went and no word from Ron. Not a peep, no revised anything. Were there red flags that I missed? Yes, there were, but I didnt miss them, I decided not to sweat the small stuff and trust. What were they? During the March to June interval, Ron came over to take measurements, discuss design options. If he made a commitment to provide some detail, whether design review, stone options etc, he always missed delivering on his own commitment unless prompted by me a few days later. A red flag? Maybe. I decided life is busy, not to sweat the small stuff. My mistake. Whats my take? Ron felt obligated to take on the job given the referral from an associate. The job was not complicated, but logistically labour intensive with unique factors that he probably was not up to taking on. June 24th came and went, and Ron decided the easiest way out was to ghost the commitment. Maybe he was signalling all along with his misses on deliverables to force me to make a decision (which itself would be unprofessional). When I didnt respond as he expected, he was left with no alternative, (so he thought), but to ghost the job. Unprofessional to say the least. I fully expect Ron to respond with some sort of defence for a level of unprofessionalism that is indefensible.