Damp proof guarantee

robson127

Ive recently had damp work and damp proof course. This all seems to have worked but the contractor is reluctant to provide the guarantee as promised. I agreed to pay him half after the work with the guarantee to follow. He now doesnt answer calls or reply. We're both out of pocket.
Does anyone know the best course of action to get the guarantee or reclaim my original outlay?

:money:

dreamypuma

I'm not sure a guarantee for work such as this can be demanded retrospectively (if indeed this is what you are asking for)

Did you ask your contractor for a guarantee before he started the work. Was the scope of work and the guarantee in the form of a written quote? i.e. was a contract formed between you and the contractor?

Your request for a guarantee at initial enquiry stage may have had a bearing on the quality of materials and labour used and their associated costs, and ultimately the price you pay.

robson127

Unfortunatley not. This was verbal. Ive had the bill for the works. The work was agreed to be carried out with a guarantee at the start and after he confirmed this. Also only paying half of the bill shows theres more to follow.
If things go wrong whats my action then?

mikey72

What type of dampproof course was it?
Is it an insurance backed guarantee. It if wasn't, I'd keep the remaining half payment and call it quits to be honest, as a non insurance backed one is only good it he keeps trading, and he could stop tomorrow, then start a new company the day after.

dreamypuma

I assume you got a few quotes before offering your contractor the work. How did his price compare? Had any of the others given you written assurances of a guarantee?

I have to agree with mikey72 above about the insurance backed guarantee.

Having seen the work that your contractor has carried out, how do you feel about the quality of workmanship?

robson127

Thanks

A DPC damp course. Only a small company so i doubt its insurance backed. Im more concerned with banks and mortgage lenders and there insistance for guarantees

robson127

Yeh. Checked out some quotes. None in writing so none giving assurances of a guarantee.He was the cheapest. I stipulated this at the start. Nothing in writing again.
Whats the course of action if the damp proof course hasnt worked?

robson127

Not bad. There are a couple of small areas where its still drying but virtually all dried out and the plastering us to a high standard