All I can do is offer sympathy eking. What a jerk. Did you sign a contract with him before the work began? If he's not answering phone calls, a trip to his place of business or home is in order! The "loose cement" was probably granite dust I hope, I've never heard of simply putting down the cement mix without being mixed. How long ago was the work finished and the cracking began?

Yes, we had a contract. He didn't finish the job although he was paid in full he said he ran out of money and asked for more. Nope. He still owes us a smaller patio and low voltage lighting, but I kissed that goodbye. One of his workers came over twice and asked me to pay him because the contractor hadn't paid him for 4 weeks work. The patio was finished about 3 weeks ago. Cracking already. He laid the stone in wet cement or maybe mortar right on top of dirt and rock. No rebar or form. They mixed the cement in a wheel barrow shoveled it onto the ground and set the stone on it. It took abut 3 weeks to finish in sections, which is probably where it is separating. He told me this was standard practice. The stone looks as if there is a grey film over it and in many places there are patches of mortar or cement adhered to the stone.
So, I feel like an idiot and am out of money to repair the job. So any ideas on how to clean the stone up?

eking, I don't know you; but I'm still very upset for you. What has happened since you last posted? Any updates? Did you find a cleaning solution that worked?

eking, sorry to hear. Does your state license contractors or require insurance? If so, did this contractor show you proof that he is licensed and/or insured? A complaint or a claim might get you some satisfaction.

I can relate to your situation because I once had a painter appear at my door pretty much broke about an hour after his boss sent him home without pay after a couple of hours work at my house. (I think the boss was hungover or still drunk from the night before.) Like you, I owed this young man nothing but felt bad for him. What I did was hire the young man to do some heavy duty cleaning around the exterior (that I really needed to have done) for a few hours to get him by.

There's always one jerk who spoils things for those that are legitimate, hardworking and honest. I have put off a couple of projects because I'm waiting to find people that I know I can trust.

home depot sells muratic acid. dont burn your face or any thing else. dilute with water only in accordance with directions. wear protective gear: thick rubber gloves, clothes and eye protection. scrub solution with abrasive sponge. As for your faulty foundation see the do it yourself link at www.pennsylvaniabluestone.info

Here is a link that might be useful: pennsylvania bluestone