Nothing "washed out", but the difference between what you paid and the allowances he wants to collect are "washing in" to his pocket and he doesn't want to share that information. It must be substantial, because I can't imagine I'd pay the price of an unhappy customer to keep it.

Offer him a reduced final payment in exchange for lien waivers. If he refuses your first offer, so much the better.

That is what I think is happening. He has been our worst nightmare. We will never take a chance on an indepedent contractor again.

He knows you're already unhappy which explains why he'd rather have the money.

And we signed a really bad contract, unfortunately. I am not sure half of what is in it is legal. At this point just want him to go away.