We've been had

SailorSam

EliteHeat wrote: »

Yes, a lot of people think that.

Most tradesmen learn to be very diplomatic when presented with some dreadful example of the worst DIY imaginable, that was obviously cobbled together using whatever tools and fittings the householder had to hand.

It makes me wonder why I need a van full of thousands of pounds worth of gear when most jobs can be done with a hammer, a bigger hammer and some insulating tape

I'm not saying that all tradesmen are bad, or there are not times that most of us need them, but given a bit of time there are many jobs around the house that a good Diy'er can easily do himself.
B&Q and the likes have grown to the size they are today because most of us now have a lot more kit a big hammer and rusty screwdriver.
I presume you're a tradesman, can you honestly say that as well as making good ....... 'the worst DIY imaginable', that there have not been many jobs you've needed to do again, that were initially done by another tradesman.

timmmers

Gwenrose wrote: »

The so called plumber does not trade under any name now as he's retired and cash in hand is what it was and I have no prove I paid him, plus he happens to be a friend of the plasterer, stupid me.:o

Do you think he'd rather refund you, or have the taxman prying into his retired status and extra activites? Maybe mentioning that to his mate the plasterer will shake his tree and your money may fall out?

You owe this guy nothing. Get nasty.

t

Gwenrose

Ok, I've taken on board what every one has said and yes we do feel total idiots.

I have done most jobs in our homes myself, wallpapering, painting, plastering, plumbing and even tiling, I never touch electrics, I've got an uneasy feeling about electrics, so always call in a professional.

It was just for once we thought it would be nice, being in my 50s and hubby in his 60s, to have some one do a few jobs for us. We lost a lot of money on the sale of our house, so we thought that with what little we gained it would be nice for the first time in 36years of marriage to have some one do it instead. Now we are kicking ourselves. But I have got a qualified electrician coming in on Monday to do the electrics in the kitchen and we will be fitting the kitchen ourselves.

I got four quotes for the electrical work and went on the web site for rated traders. The company is called 'Intelec Electrical Services', he's based at Ramsgate, so if any one has had problems with them, please let me know.

I'm painting ceilings and plastering walls now, and we have tried adjusting the shower door, but it makes no difference, but we will try adjusting the enclosure.
The only thing we can do with the toilet is dig up the floor again. I've spoken to a few plumbers and they all seem to be saying the same thing, but we can't afford to pay any one to do it, so I guess it's down to me to sort it out.

As for the electric shower, yes it is a brand new fitted one and no it turns out the plumber was not qualified to fit it, but according to the electrician, he has done a proper job, thank God.

The plumber and plasterer both come from London and moved down here some years ago, both very English, in answer to one comment.

I would love to report them, but they would say I never paid them a penny, even though I got a quote from the plasterer, I've got no proof, so what can I do?

We've been foulish and stupid, we have fitted bathrooms ourselves in the past and this serves us right for being lazy, but hubby did not want to take time of work because he's self employed and I would have struggled on my own.

Well we've got very little money left to call any one else in, so we've learnt our lesson the hard way and knowing how unhappy I am it's unlikely they will step over our doorstep again, from what they were saying about all the work they have, they will just carry on ripping other people off.

But they will never get the chance with us again and I will not trust any one else who says 'I do it for cash in hand to help keep the cost down', in fact, I'm sorry to say I'm not sure I could trust any one again, as I'm the one who does all the d.i.y, I will just have to do it all myself from now on.

Thanks to every one for your help it is appreciated.

By the way if I'm allowed, the name of the plasterer is a guy called Pete Davies and he lives at Boughton Under Blean, if you want to throw your money away like we did, he's the guy to call. The plumber is called Brian and he lives on Stud Hill, Herne Bay, likes playing snooker all the time, pity he did not go and play instead of coming to our bungalow.

andrew-b

Gwenrose wrote: »

I'm not sure I could trust any one again,

Expect you will in time. Not heard of the electrician you mention ..let me know how you get on though but hope you have a better experience than your last one..with any luck they may restore your faith in tradesmen! When you come across the good one's hang onto them!

Make sure you have a written quote (not estimate) from the electrician before work begins (if not already i'd ask them to bring it with them just so you can check through it on monday before they set to work) as well as checking they can part p notify through NICEIC or similar. Any doubts it's not too late to back out!

With regards to your shower and toilet probs or anything else you need help on there's loads of us on here who may be able to suggest solutions - tradesmen or not!