Ripped off By Builder

JohnnyJet

SouthernBellE* wrote: »

Disabled Facilities Grant

Not sure if it applies to your situation but worth looking into!

Working Tax Credits

www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.co.gov.uk

Worth checking out eligibility to WTC if you're not already claiming

Council for Voluntary Services. ? Maybe they could point you towards finding volunteers for your situation? (The voice of the voluntary & community Sectors) www.ncvo-vol.org.uk

Don't know if any of this is useful...........Still looking!

Thanks, don't think these apply to me but I did find out that because we are fitting the bathroom with a disabled person in mind we are entitled to buy everything at 0% VAT.

Happytogetdebtfree

Thats good news, what about grants do they provide any towards the cost ?

dancingfairy

I've got a feeling mike got an independent survey/valuation done -to value the work that had been done including materials.
I'm not sure if he's back online yet after having his house down and trying to get his head around it all but you could try sending him a PM?
Have you looked on National Debtline's website or the court services website to see how the court process works?
Once you have got an indepent valuation done then you could take him to the small claims court.
Then once you have a judgement you would need to look at enforcement - like a charging order or sending the bailiffs. You can even apply for an AE (aural examination) where the defendant has to answer questions under oath. You ask them about any assets they have, whether they have a house, how much equity it has, how much they have in the bank etc. This can help you decide how best to get your money back.
df
Edit: have you got lots of evidence - photos, quotes, etc?
Had a quick google for hmcs (her majestys court service) and found this which looks like it might help you:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/claims/index.htm

MatyMoo

Hi JJ

You sound so much better and things seem to be moving in the right direction which is great.

Unfortunately I don't have any legal expertise but I am sure someone will pop up on here soon.

Good news too about the TV programmes, I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Don't forget when you get to the stage where you need practical help you have willing volunteers who can wield paint brushes and things. I know it is hard to ask but please do.

Maty

Poosmate

Hi JJ and welcome back. We were worried about you in your absence so we're all glad you have started posting again. Please keep doing so if only so that you'll have a record of what you did, what happened, what you thought of and when.

Good news about the bathroom items. I hope you wil be able to claim back the tax for what you've already paid for.

Sorry I can't really offer any advice and I hope things get better for you soon.

Poo

JohnnyJet

dancingfairy wrote: »

I've got a feeling mike got an independent survey/valuation done -to value the work that had been done including materials.
I'm not sure if he's back online yet after having his house down and trying to get his head around it all but you could try sending him a PM?
Have you looked on National Debtline's website or the court services website to see how the court process works?
Once you have got an indepent valuation done then you could take him to the small claims court.
Then once you have a judgement you would need to look at enforcement - like a charging order or sending the bailiffs. You can even apply for an AE (aural examination) where the defendant has to answer questions under oath. You ask them about any assets they have, whether they have a house, how much equity it has, how much they have in the bank etc. This can help you decide how best to get your money back.
df
Edit: have you got lots of evidence - photos, quotes, etc?
Had a quick google for hmcs (her majestys court service) and found this which looks like it might help you:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/claims/index.htm

I got an independent survey of the properties condition but not a valuation, my solicitor told me I didn't need this. Anyway the hundreds of photos I took tell the story and the survey states the stage that the builder left and the work that was done. His company is a Ltd company so he has limited liability, I know his company assets don't amount to much but he has reasonable personal assets. I really need to be able to sue him personally otherwise it may not be worth it.

Thanks for this information, I like the idea about the AE, I've already thought of loads of questions to ask.

JohnnyJet

Poosmate wrote: »

Hi JJ and welcome back. We were worried about you in your absence so we're all glad you have started posting again. Please keep doing so if only so that you'll have a record of what you did, what happened, what you thought of and when.

Good news about the bathroom items. I hope you wil be able to claim back the tax for what you've already paid for.

Sorry I can't really offer any advice and I hope things get better for you soon.

Poo

I was worried to _pale_ but things are just about okay at the moment. Support is as good as advice, all this good will is pushing me on and making me feel obliged to make progress.

Happytogetdebtfree

Ahh JJ your silver lining will come im sure of it x

Butti

JJ
You need a list of the works the builder was to do and to take it to a Quantity Surveyor for pricing up. You will then have a list of what it should have cost compared to how much you paid him and how little he did.

If you ask around locally and maybe go in and chat to one you might get somewhere.

Alternatively if you have any local community organisations; Community Councils, Community Development Workers at the local council or Development Trusts you could go in and ask about any groups they have of retired professionals who undertake work for free or a very small commission. We have used them on community projects. Ours was called a Professional Working Group.
B

SouthernBellE*

JohnnyJet wrote: »

I was worried to _pale_ but things are just about okay at the moment. Support is as good as advice, all this good will is pushing me on and making me feel obliged to make progress.

:hello:Hi JJ

Been lurking and was SO relieved to see you had posted! I've subscribed to your thread but was never likely to miss the latest news again thanks to your other supporters here....they mass e-mailed me with the news! :T:rotfl:

Bloody well done to you on all the progress you've made. Roof tiles, plumber etc. I REALLY hope you get some good news from the applications to TV programmes. I'm sure at this point, even help to complete 1 room would feel like a godsend (hope they do a kitchen...they cost a bomb!:D)

Hope all the suggestions I fired at you didn't come across as bossy . Wish I could have given you the answers you needed but hope that bumping your thread as often as possible may attract the attention of someone that DOES hold the answer and can offer a solution.

Never feel obliged, take the posts as encouragement and know that we're here because we care! Still looking for answers but here for support for as long as you need it!:)

Just a thought....WOL2 has also posted on Mike's thread and is also looking at legal procedures. Maybe between the 3 of you, information on procedures can be shared, I think you're all at different stages with the legal route but may be able to offer each other the answers to specific queries. Might be worth PM'ing.

I hope you have some success in recovering your money but it will be a long process, sadly one than may not result in repayment so I hope it's possible for you to take the DIY route. I'd hate to see you further out of pocket, it sucks I know but change will be too far away to give you the help you need now.:( That said, it shouldn't deter you from beginning the process!

Good luck hun & well done on taking back control of the situation! :T

SB
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