Do I have grounds for a civil suit against a contractor whos work was not done correctly.

I'm not sure I understand your question, because I'm not sure why you would think you may not have grounds for a civil suit.  From what you've recited in your question, you would sue the contractor for the damages you've sustained due to his/her/its breach of contract.  Of course, since your contract was oral, you may have a difficult time proving your case, and it may come down to your word against the contractor's, but if you can prove what you've written above to the Court's satisfaction, you should have a good claim.