Was I right - Builder didn't turn up twice.

advent1122

Today I was supposed to have some work done on the house...
The Story...
Last month I rang a few builders and was quoted £2,500 for the work, which is a reasonable price. He said he would be here on the 5th September.
The day before, he rang to say he couldn't make it as a relative had died and he must take a week off to go to the funeral (long funeral hmmm). He said he would turn up today - the 14th September.
This monring at 8am his wife rang to say he couldn't make it as he was ill, and he would be here at the end of the week. I told her to tell him to stuff it and I will find someone else, as this is the second time he has cancelled - Oh has he - I wasn't aware, was her reply...Surely she would have remebered the dead relative from the week before.
Anyhooo.
I had to ring around again and the new builder has quoted £300 more, which I accepted.
Have I shot myself in the foot or do you think as he was so unrealible before he started work then an extra £300 is worth paying.

P.S.. Do you think his "excuses" were genuine?

hoyles10

I suppose it depends if you can afford to spend the extra £300 to have it done or not.

If he was off for a week for a family funeral then surely his wife would have known about it, but then again she might not have known you were one of the customers he had to cancel.

I wouldn't have thought in the current financial climate he would willingly throw a £2500 job away unless he's rather lucky and got to much work on.

If I was you (assuming you're willing to spend the extra to get another builder) I might have said to his wife that unless he can knock a hundred quid or so off the price of the job for letting you down twice then you would use someone else. Might not have got you anywhere but it would be worth a try.

marleyboy

You could try phoning your new builder back saying you have had a quote offering the job at £300 cheaper, see if he is willing to match it.

Personally, I would be a little weary of the original builders excuses, I wouldnt be sure how authentic he was.

However should he ring you back, you could double bluff and state you have since had a cheaper quote by a slightly more reliable builder and see if he drops his price even further

tsstss7

advent1122 wrote: »

Today I was supposed to have some work done on the house...
The Story...
Last month I rang a few builders and was quoted £2,500 for the work, which is a reasonable price. He said he would be here on the 5th September.
The day before, he rang to say he couldn't make it as a relative had died and he must take a week off to go to the funeral (long funeral hmmm). He said he would turn up today - the 14th September.
This monring at 8am his wife rang to say he couldn't make it as he was ill, and he would be here at the end of the week. I told her to tell him to stuff it and I will find someone else, as this is the second time he has cancelled - Oh has he - I wasn't aware, was her reply...Surely she would have remebered the dead relative from the week before.
Anyhooo.
I had to ring around again and the new builder has quoted £300 more, which I accepted.
Have I shot myself in the foot or do you think as he was so unrealible before he started work then an extra £300 is worth paying.

P.S.. Do you think his "excuses" were genuine?

I think his "excuses" were exactly that and they would have dissappeared altogether when he was halfway through your job and you had no choice but to continue to use him even if he continued to time off for whatever reason.

You made the right decision in my opinion.

dacouch

Sounds like he was treating your work as a hospital job

trumpton

He may have overrun on another job or was trying to fit another job in before he came to you - if he intended coming at all. I think you were right to cancel the contract as his excuses were pretty weak. Make sure you have a written quote from your new builder - you need a typed up a list of the work he will be doing and make sure it includes everything you want/need.

It is really hard to find a decent, reliable builder. We tried 10, most of whom didn't call back or keep their appointment. The one we got did a good job and was cheap but even he had a few days off without notice.

nomoneytoday

If the new builder turns up and does a good job that's £300 extra well spent.
If the first one doesn't turn up, then what will he be like if there is an issue? What if another relative pops their clogs half way through your job?

venus1978

Do not trust this builder, definetley get a new one, if he's going to make excuses and lie to you rather than be honest... what else is he going to do. Remember just cus its the cheapest quote doesnt always mean its going to be the best (same applies the other way).

You need to be happy with your builder. I have worked in the construction industry for 20years now, and i have come accross many a cowboy on site who was invited to leave, by their main contractors.

Lifeisbutadream

He probably underquoted and didnt want the work.

Not very fair on you though!