Is there a time constraint on tradesmen presenting bills?

mojomcl

Thanks all....I'd rather the bloke in question didn't come across this, as the details would easily identify that this is 'me'! lol

xx

olly300

Nope there isn't only the statue of limitations giving him 6 years to chase you for payment.

I suggest you put everything in writing (make it concise, straight to the point and stick to facts) and send any letters to him by recorded delivery keeping all receipts. If he refuses to accept the letters then keep the sealed returned envelopes. Also take photographs of any shoddy work.

You need to negotiate payments with him. If the worse comes to the worse he will take you to court and that outcome depends on the judge as all building work is a hassle. Plus the builder can easily give reasonable excuses to why he did what he did.

BTW if the work was not as expected but of a good standard then don't expect a big discount.

mojomcl

Thanks for that.

Workmanship was fine. Incomplete but fine. As he 'retailed' everything for the bathroom, it's really that that's the issue, as most items he supplied were not as we ordered.

I don't totally agree about all building work being a hassle. Our kitchen has just finished being fitted today. Another small, local company. It's a large, bespoke kitchen, built just 10 miles away. Hardly anything 'standard' in it, yet it has been fitted in just 7 working days, start to (superb) finish. Makes the fact that 'standard' items in the bathroom don't resemble the items ordered, from catalogues, less than funny. Kitchen has been built to match the 'pretty pictues we had in our minds', and is 101% spot on.

I don't feel the need to chase him up....I will, eventually, get someone to install the shelves. And all the incorrect items are installed now. It wouldn't be a simple swap to correct any of them. I can't see he has any grounds to take me to court...he hasn't invoiced me for the outstanding amount, so it isn't technically due!

But if 6 years is the limitation, then at least I know that if he's still not billed us by then, he will be unable to.

thx

olly300

mojomcl wrote: »

Thanks for that.

Workmanship was fine. Incomplete but fine. As he 'retailed' everything for the bathroom, it's really that that's the issue, as most items he supplied were not as we ordered.

As I stated he would give a "reasonable" explanation to any court as why he had to order those items for you. You and anyone else you told your story to would know that this "reasonable" explanation is a lie.

mojomcl wrote: »

I don't totally agree about all building work being a hassle. Our kitchen has just finished being fitted today. Another small, local company. It's a large, bespoke kitchen, built just 10 miles away. Hardly anything 'standard' in it, yet it has been fitted in just 7 working days, start to (superb) finish. Makes the fact that 'standard' items in the bathroom don't resemble the items ordered, from catalogues, less than funny. Kitchen has been built to match the 'pretty pictues we had in our minds', and is 101% spot on.

Lots of people have hassle with builders and other workmen, and a judge in the small claims court would have seen quite a lot of cases. Plus they would have had their home worked on themselves.

mojomcl wrote: »

I don't feel the need to chase him up....I will, eventually, get someone to install the shelves. And all the incorrect items are installed now. It wouldn't be a simple swap to correct any of them. I can't see he has any grounds to take me to court...he hasn't invoiced me for the outstanding amount, so it isn't technically due!

Don't chase him up but don't be surprised if he claims never to have received your letter. So if you are going to send him any letters, or when you negotiate verbally follow it up with a letter stating what you said, and send it by recorded delivery you can prove that highly likely got to him.

Lots of companies and people claim not to receive letters sent by ordinary post however they know that courts and regulators are not going to believe them if they say they haven't received a recorded delivery item.

And he would only threaten you with court action once he invoices you, you try and negotiate and he doesn't budge.

mojomcl wrote: »

But if 6 years is the limitation, then at least I know that if he's still not billed us by then, he will be unable to.

thx

He's got 6 years from when he last made contact with you to chase you up and try and enforce payment. He can still chase you after those 6 years but can't legally enforce payment.

Don't be surprised if he contacts you within the next 2 years and claims illness or a death in the family.

mojomcl

olly300 wrote: »

As I stated he would give a "reasonable" explanation to any court as why he had to order those items for you. You and anyone else you told your story to would know that this "reasonable" explanation is a lie.
....
Don't be surprised if he contacts you within the next 2 years and claims illness or a death in the family.

Thanks for such a detailed response. I appreciate your time.

You're spot on with all points, but these two really ring true. I'd like to see him explain his 'reasonable' reasons for (still) never having mentioned to us that naff all would be as we'd ordered! lol But I know exactly what you mean.

As for the last part, this would be sooo 'him'! He's a chronic phone loser, and 'I've been let down by a pumber/courier/supplier/postie/mechanic/wife/neighbour/dog walker/primary school teacher/society in general....'! Looking back we feel like idiots for not seeing straight through all the little signs.:o But we are honest and trusting, and generally find that's how other people are too.....mainly :eek: