It depends on if the construction to be performed was by written contract or by verbal agreement.
Written contract can be disputed in a court of law(small claims most likely), provided that you have reciepts to show for your losses, or some estimated log book of hours with proof of what was finished of the job.
Verbal agreement: start by hiring an attorney, or representing yourself and getting familiar with the legal system and send an invoice to the customer. Once he doesn't pay, take it to the police......it will most likely end up in small claims court.