What an awful mess  One suggestion that has proven helpful to me in sorting out certain disagreements in the past. Go ahead and sit down and write an account of what happened. Record your memory of conversations, the days / hours he worked, etc. Keep notes brief and clear. Even the posts here are evidence of your intentions to create a safe entrance that added value and beauty to your home. You may have other notes, e-mails, etc. that refer to your project and your intention in hiring a "pro". The point of this exercise is to leave your options open. You may decide to do nothing, learn from the experience, and, as my Dad used to say, "overwhelm the problem with money". But, should you decide to pursue a fair resolution, having things in writing  even after the fact  will help. Next, make a decision about legal advice. The funny thing here is that you would again be accepting assistance from a pro. Twice in recent years I've needed a lawyer's opinion. My upbringing schooled me to avoid litigation like an unseemly plague, so the need was only pursued with great reluctance. In the first instance, one involving a need to sort out an issue with a government agency, I lucked into a lawyer who was willing to "coach" me in what to research, letters to write, and keeping a careful record. I paid her absolutely nothing. That matter took about 12 months to resolve. Courts, litigation, almost always take much longer. If I were you, I think I'd be feeling like I'd been robbed. We hire a pro to do professional work. It's an assumption, but I don't know if it holds as a legal standard. I can tell you that in gathering quotes from three companies that do paving work for a project at my home, not one of them suggested anything less than a 8" to 12" inch base. The area we wanted paved had been a gravel bed (previous owners) and my spouse wanted to know if that material could be reused somehow. Looking back, I suppose that was an open opportunity for abuse, which none of the contracters we spoke to was willing to take. As one of the contracter's put it, "Even if this gravel were usable, I want to do the job right from base to finish  We'll clean it out, start from scratch, and get the grade corrected in the process." Since then, I've read quite a bit here at the LD forum, so I've heard chapter and verse a few times on installing paths and patios. With very rare exceptions, and even those are debated, the base is the thing. Without it, the beauty, function, and durability of the finished surface is compromised. As you stated  for your entry you wanted things done right. That should have included the standard base for a well-built and beautiful entrance pathway. Hope things work out well and soon  Wellspring

There are a lot of acceptable options. Fiberglass with a "smart" vapour retarder, such as MemBrain, at least in conditions resembling those in which it was initially tested, is one. Others include XPS, EPS, foil-faced polyisocyanurate, CCSPF and combinations of these with fg. Water vapour moves through concrete walls. The trick is not to trap it behind or between a polyethylene barrier. Unfortunately, you can still go on dozens of internet sites, let alone building codes, that solemnly inform you of the importance of sealing basement insulation exactly that way, or even using double vapour barriers. Here is a link that might be useful: Basement Insulation Systems

It sounds like you have your heart set on this. If you must do a sculpted non-transparent glass, I'd suggest something simple that doesn't look too dressy. But honestly, I wouldn't spend $2000 on a fancy Victorian styled door that looks out of place on your home. For your own purpose and enjoyment over the long haul is one thing but if you're selling, I don't think it would be something that would be recouped. If anything, the next guy would likely remove it and sell it for a decent piece of change. "right now I can't even peek through on my tip-toes to see if someone is at the door, hnce my desire to go with either the double rectangle or a single larger rectangle too. " Peep holes! Of course, we see it looks like someone has developed a contraption to peep inside the house from the outside! So get one with a cover ; ) Here is a link that might be useful: Peep Holes

I am thankful for any and all suggestions! I appreciate all views. The new door is an insulated steel door by Waudena, out of Wisconsin. I do open the casements windows on either side of the front window, but if the door is open I can see my Purple Martin colony and part of the garden from the kitchen. I live in North Dakota with -20 to -40 temps common in the winter, howling winds, banking snow, and all sorts of lovely weather. A storm door is a necessary evil. Still, in the brief but bright summer, I'd love to have a "view."