One question:
You say that "None of the work has been paid for". Has the customer paid anything (material or labor)? If not, it is yours to do with as you please without further action.
However, if the customer has paid for the material, and you are wondering about the labor cost. Then you need to make all diligent attempts to contact the owner of the material. Do you have an address and/or phone number for your customer? Call them (keep notes of calls and dates) or write them a certified letter advising them to contact you within a specific deadline re: their material. If not contacted, you will hold for __ days at $___ per day storage fee. If not picked up with 10 days of storage fees, cost of storage will be deemed in excess of value and you will be free to sell their material to recover your fees.
I agree with the other responder (HomeGuru). You need to get at least the cost of the material up front and, preferably, a little extra to cover your start-up labor. Give them a receipt with some type of notification statement as he suggests.
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Steve Halket
Judgment Recovery of Houston
[email protected]
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This is my PERSONAL OPINION and is not legal advice! Consult your local attorney for your specific situation and laws!