Painter agreed a price with “homeowner,” who now tells him another contractor will pay him

Here’s one for someone to answer.

I did a written estimate for exterior painting: eaves, siding, windows and doors. Three-quarters of the way through the job, the homeowner introduced me to a contractor performing other work on the house and informed me that this person would be writing the cheque.

Now, the contractor said that I was under his WSIB and I didn’t need a clearance certificate. Now I am in a battle because I want to get paid – but the only way I can is if accept this contractor’s cheque. I want to stay WSIB exempt but now it loos like I am being forced into this. WTF!

Now, I don’t even know now if this house belongs to the person who hired me. I didn’t get my estimate signed by the “homeowner” because I’ve always done business by the hand shake method. I do have texts from him telling me this is his house. And I’ve sent texts back to tell him that I need to be paid by him, as the homeowner, and not by his contractor – putting my WSIB exemption in jeopardy.

Any suggestions?