Threatening builder Calls

techmanx

Hi all,
I got some work done through a local builder at my property.
the work involved
1) shower handle & chord replacement
2) 1 Kitchen Unit base cabinet fixing(it came off the rails)
3) 3 Chimney stack to be removed and top to be re-sealed to fix a suspected leak.
all at the total cost of £300 agreed verbally on the phone.

he carried out the work after several followups and 2 weeks delay. the shower handle/chord that he replaced was a cheap plastic one which he quoted £45 and kitchen unit that he claimed was fixed started to give same problem. the leakage which he said would be fixed by the water through chimney did address the root cause and after last week's torrential rain i can see that water has seaped in bedrooms

he then asked me to pay additional of £175 for disposal of chimney pots(inc £45 for community tip) and shower cubicle re-seal

I had asked the guy to produce the invoice on paper or email which he repeatedly failed to do so. unsatisfied with the quality of the work i didn't pay him £175.

the asian builder is a local tradesman(A man with White Van) and was recommeded through local estate agent.
today the builder came around into the property forced his entry and demanded that i give him money immediately. he wa accompanied by 2 other lads both hooded and appeared asian ill -legal immigrants but i can't be sure.
he shouted from the top of voice standing on my driveway and appeared threatening.

i repeatedly asked him about the invoices/written agreement and showed him the shoddy quality of the work he carried out. he admitted that quality has been compromised &
he is prepared to fix it again but i do not want to use his service again.


I am a family man with a 2 year child, on top of it , just 1 hr back close to midnight he called me on landline & mobile and demanded the money again. i have lost my sleep and feel terrified and harrased.

there has been no written agreement or contract the price was agreed verbally and i do not feel that given the quality of work i should pay him any money.

Please advice urgently what should i do, can this be reported to police? trading standards?

i recently moved into the borough.

techmanx

Leakage which he said would be fixed by the water through chimney did NOT address the root cause and after last week's torrential rain i can see that water has seaped in bedrooms.

i feel i am a fool that fell into the trap of this doggy builder....

Kiechi

Did you pay the original agreed price of 300 pounds?

From what I understand, if you did not verbally agree to the additional 175 and the job you (I'm assuming) paid him to do was not up to the standards you agreed or expected, it'd should be you the one demanding money. I'd also be a bit careful with how you handle this situation, being new to the area I'm sure you don't want to make enemies this soon especially if it's with someone local.

techmanx

I had paid him £300.00 on the day he started the work, extra money is he demanding to cover off extra work he has to do. i have started to record his calls and plan to speak to the police, i'll keep you posted.

Kiechi

^ I hope it all works out in your favour techmanx, please do keep us posted.

maninthestreet

techmanx wrote: »

i feel i am a fool that fell into the trap of this doggy builder....

That's ruff! But seriously, if he did force his way into your property, and he his harrassing you by phone, you may want to involve the police.

Caroline73_2

Why is the fact he is Asian relevant?

drsquirrel

maninthestreet wrote: »

That's ruff! But seriously, if he did force his way into your property, and he his harrassing you by phone, you may want to involve the police.

Definitely police, its bad enough if it was originally just the single builder, but for him to bring around 2 friends... hmmm, I do wonder why the Police wasn't called out first?

Caroline73 wrote: »

Why is the fact he is Asian relevant?

Agree, and suggesting the others are illegals, what proof do they have... just from the look of someone is ignorance.

ses6jwg

I suggest you take the case to your local Trading Standards department and see if he is known to them.

They can give you the best advice.

P.S. I would drop the "Asian" comments etc before taking it any further as it will only hamper your case.

Freddie_Snowbits

£300 fopr a ktichen cupboard, chimney and shower. Was his name Jack of All Trades?

Get three quotes from poeple you trust. I am sure that my roof in 1999 to repar cost over £300!

olly300

Firstly go to the police today.

However:
1. Do not mention he is Asian until they ask for a description of him as that has nothing to do with his behaviour. As already said it will get you in trouble and cause your complaint to be ignored.

2. Do not mention that you think his hoodies are illegal immigrants as you have absolutely no proof. Plus there are lots of hoodies in large cities of different races and some of them will not speak English on purpose in certain situations even though they were born and brought up in the UK. Mentioning "illegal immigrants" will not help your complaint at all.

3. Do not mention you are recording him without his knowledge, as that will get you in trouble and you could faces charges.

Secondly contact Trading Standards. You don't need to go into their offices you can email them via this website: http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/ . You need to put in your postcode to find your local office.