Don't go see lawyers for small amounts of money since just a few hours will be $1000.
I think the police will not do much here since they may consider this more of a complex business dealing. He didn't break into your house and steal it.
Small claims court is I'm guessing your best bet. Document carefully every last piece of correspondence youself relating to the agree upon price and timelines. Then file a claim yourself, show up on date, and tell it to the judge who will make the call.
Quickly get unemotional about it and just go through the process above as I've found getting worked up about it will cost you ten times as much in stress & lost productivity. Life is short, you win some and you lose some - in the end you will get justice anyway one way or another if you go to small claims. Everyone eventually has to go through stuff like this so good luck.
San Diego, CA
Coffs Harbour, NS
