Should I sue?

babymum

Hi everyone. I am a bit better than the last time i posted on MSE :-)

I had my loft converted and my builder went AWOL half way through. Like an idiot and as he was doing a great job i paid him all the money. I then had to pay an additional £3.5k on materials and labour to get the job finished. (BTW the builder was called Sen Building or and also trades under D C Builders- based in Stamford Hill, London). Problem is if I sue then I know he will go back to Turkey or do a runner so am I going to go through a lot of pain for nothing. Obviously I need the money back but with all the upheaval in getting the job done I dont know if I could cope with anything else.

What is the advise of more experienced MSE'ers?

BTW- I will report to trading standards but again- what can they really do?

Ta
babymum

Alias_Omega

Speak to trading standards first, they will advise you on what to do next.

As its less than £5,000 you can use the moneyclaimonline website, it costs about £25 and file it yourself. You represent yourself in court, with himself having to attend. Him failing to attend ensures you get judgement in your favour, then you can ask him to pay. Of course he wont pay, so you have to go back again to get a CCJ.? then send in the bailifs.

Again, most of the information can be found on this website, and more indepth.

Regards,

Alias