Please advise - it's all gone SO wrong

lisawaters

Surbybird wrote: »

I reckon he's either busy writing his acceptance speech for when he gets his BAFTA for "Best Factual Segment In A News And Current Affairs Programme", or he'll be tarting himself up in preparation for the online party tomorrow.

Done the speech.

Just need to decide which outfit...

x

lisawaters

Surbybird wrote: »

Aw, dammit! I've just spat Diet Coke all over my laptop!

:rotfl:

I warned you...

x

Surbybird

lisawaters wrote: »

I warned you...

x

Indeed you did.



Note to self - keep liquids out of reach when replying to Mike's ramblings.

lisawaters

mscfsb wrote: »

Hi Mike,
Having read through the whole thread :eek: i must say that i have nothing but admiration for the way in which you have managed through this very testing time in your life. I hope that everything continues to improve as it seems to be doing over the past few weeks, You have some amazing friends & support within this community & would like to extend my best wishes for the future too.:beer:
I have been a builder for the past 30 years & before you all form a posse/lynch mob:eek: would like to give you a little of my history & experience from the opposite side of the fence. I have recently had to petition for bankruptcy due to 2 of my customers being unable to pay me for large contracts that have now been completed. The reasons are not due to bad practices or dodgy workmanship as both contracts have been signed off and handed over. Both my customers being more than satisfied with the completed projects. The problem being the current down turn & financial difficulties suffered by a lot of businesses recently. I have done a lot of work for both these customers previously & had no problem with finances so didn't mind carrying out work without monies upfront or interim payments. Unfortunately thus leading to my present position, and here is where our situations become very similar Mike. (Too trusting by far :mad:) I don't wish to defend your builder Mike as what he has done and put you through is disgraceful and totally immoral by anyones standards & just gives honest hard working builders a bad name. Unfortunately there are far too many of these characters about.
Well Mike my intentions are not to hijack your thread or air my present problems within your posts but to simply offer you my support. I am fortunately able to carry on trading but too far away to offer you any physical help. (free of course:D) but would be more than willing to offer any help & advice with any of your building Queries should you so wish. Like i say i have 30 years experience within the construction industry on most levels (domestic & commercial) & would be more than willing to answer all your questions if it's within my knowledge or capabilities.
Good luck with the one show on tuesday Mike & i really do hope that they name and shame him. Hopefully things will begin to turn for you soon mike & don't be ashamed of feeling foolish for trusting someone as it can and does happen to lots of people. Thanks for your thread Mike which has brought a lot of like minded people together to offer their support. i will continue to follow your story with interest & hope that it turns out ok.
Oh yes. Gender. Male.
Good luck Mike.

Hello, and thank you for writing this. I absolutely agree - it's just a handful of morons who taint the whole thing. I don't know why it's always seen as a builders' problem - there's thieves in every business and industry.

I am so sorry you got hit by the client. He's every bit as bad as any crooked supplier and I know this is an increasing problem for decent builders and subcontractors. I just cannot grasp what's in someone's mind when they deliberately employ someone knowing they won't pay them. It's a lot worse than some 'criminal' activities and should carry a heavy sentence.

When we extended our last family home the builders were so good we were sorry to see them go. They were funny, clever, experienced, charming, painstaking, neat and honest. They were let down by the contractor they used to do the second fix, who was a complete bandit who did nothing of particular value yet insisted he paid them instantly. I hope one day when my ship comes in to have the chance to use them to build a complete new house, something I know they really wanted to do and make the money they lost on my job. It would be a perfectly constructed house on time and on budget. They are far more typical of most builders than the rat I cornered.

Thank you too for the offer of help. I appreciate that and may be in touch once the Building Regs and Planning is straightened out and I know what can be done.

Mike

lisawaters

Merrywidow wrote: »

Thanks mscfsb - Mike needs all the support he can get. God knows where he is today - hope he's not springing off his unfinished roof. Maybe just a long walk with his dogs to calm his nerves. Yes, we hope they name and shame the builder. We all have ways of dealing with him. You are welcome to join our online party tomorrow night, you get the beers in, I've got Pringles and nibbles.

We know there are honest builders out there. Two years ago I re-vamped my own house. I was recently widowed when he started and very nervous he would pull a fast one but he was brilliant. I paid for materials as they appeared or we went together to buy kitchen and bathroom. I paid him each month for his labour and there was no problem whatsoever. When he left I was happy and delighted with his work. Yes there are great builders. Unfortunately the scumbags are out there. Lets hope Mike's builder gets his just desserts.

He will thank you himself when he appears from whereever he is hiding today.
MIKE - where the hell are you, your friends are waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here I am!

x

lisawaters

niccatw wrote: »

Sorry Miggy! Have edited it out! I should have realised you had magical powers with all the amazing street money finding skills you have .



Thank you! My dad is in the same position as you (although not yet as bad as bankruptcy as far as I know), but through a customer who never did have any intention of paying. I cannot belive the grief some people will knowingly inflict on others. However, I also know, in the same situation, my dad would do the same again. As you say, there needs to be an element of trust to work. I hope you are able to work through your situation and can keep working. Take care.

Merrywidow - I'm assuming Mike's sleeping pattern's are as mad as mine at the moment! And probably doesn't match with the dog's sleeping/eating/walking patterns! I'm sure he'll saunter along in the middle of the night to see what we've been up to without him.

(saunters in)

Wassaaaaappp little nicca dude?

lisawaters

mscfsb wrote: »

Thanks Merrywidow,
Will gladly get the beers in. Glad to hear that your experience with the builder was a good one.
You never know, Maybe Mike is having a Lisa day today

You haven't been peeping through my window I hope? There's a ladder in the back garden I think.



m

SouthernBellE*

Had just sat down with a nice cup of tea and WHAM! Mike appears. You do realise when this is all over we all want compensation! Lost count how many of us have choked on beverages, all of which have landed on computers!!!

OH Sod it, DS's computer and I enjoyed the jokes!

Hi Mike, just catching up & nice to see you're on form!

Surbybird

lisawaters wrote: »

Done the speech.

Just need to decide which outfit...

x

Have you sorted your outfit yet? Are you going for the feathers and sequins or something a bit more dressy?



BTW, if you need some shoes to go with your 'red carpet' frock, one of us could probably rustle up a pair for you.

SouthernBellE*

mscfsb, thanks for offering Mike help & sorry to hear of your difficulties because of clients. Stick around, good builders are worshipped here!
niccatw, also sorry to hear your Dad has been hit by unpaying customers. Shame to see the good ones taking the knocks while the ones who refuse to pay up or complete work carry on unaffected. (glad the heels worked out though niccatw, knew you'd carry it off!);)

Here's hoping Mikes builder gets a rude awakening tomorrow night.:D Nothing less than what he deserves.

Sky Installation! :mad: 3rd visit & still not done. If I miss the show or on-line party because I have no working services I'll be needing your services Mike. I know how you like to write letters of complaint!