Ripped off By Builder

londonrugbyboy

JohnnyJet wrote: »

In the end I think he was voluntarily dissolved although someone else was trying to stop this process. I don't know who or how to find out.

Hi

Try the Companies Investigation Branch (part of BIS) on 020 7596 6100. They're the government body responsible for investigating company malpractice.

In my own case, I didn't initiate proceedings because, on the advice of my solicitor, it would cost me more than the amount I lost (£10k) to pursue him - that was very galling to bear but, ultimately, I think it was the right decision because, as I know you have said elsewhere, one has to draw a line under it and move on. However, I kept my eye on the Insolvency Service website to see whether any proceedings, originating from other people, had been initiated by
them. Sure enough, they had!

Provided his company has not been officially "dissolved" as recorded on the Companies' House website, then there is still a chance of nailing the b*stard through disqualification.

JohnnyJet

RAS wrote: »

Johnny

More than well-done so far. To come back form the situation you were in is incredible.

Have you thought of exploring www.freegle.co.uk? You may need to make one offer before you are allowed to bid or ask, but a pair of the kid's out-grown trousers would meet the requirements.

My wife used a site like that when we got rid our original furniture before the building work started. We thought that it would be cheaper to get rid of some of it than to put it in storage. Thanks, will have another look at that.

JohnnyJet

londonrugbyboy wrote: »

Hi

Try the Companies Investigation Branch (part of BIS) on 020 7596 6100. They're the government body responsible for investigating company malpractice.

In my own case, I didn't initiate proceedings because, on the advice of my solicitor, it would cost me more than the amount I lost (£10k) to pursue him - that was very galling to bear but, ultimately, I think it was the right decision because, as I know you have said elsewhere, one has to draw a line under it and move on. However, I kept my eye on the Insolvency Service website to see whether any proceedings, originating from other people, had been initiated by
them. Sure enough, they had!

Provided his company has not been officially "dissolved" as recorded on the Companies' House website, then there is still a chance of nailing the b*stard through disqualification.

The company was dissolved several months ago, not sure I can do too much about that now. I think getting him for fraud is the only way, but I could be wrong.

londonrugbyboy

JohnnyJet wrote: »

The company was dissolved several months ago, not sure I can do too much about that now. I think getting him for fraud is the only way, but I could be wrong.

Sorry to hear that - it was worth a try.

Good luck on the fraud front. I'm sorry to say that I can't give any pointers on that front, but I wish you well and hope you are successful.

LemonLady

I very very rarely post but I read regularly. I have a serious case of insomnia - I have been working a lot of nightshifts lately and my body clock won't switch back so I have just sat and read your whole sorry saga from beginning to end. What an incredible thing you have achieved and what an absolutely astounding role model you have been to your kids. Its amazing what you can do when your back is against the wall and when you can't just curl up die because others depend on you. It seems so wrong that this can happen and I'm not convinced I would have handled myself with same grace and dignity you appear to have done. It really does make me wonder why those who act with morals and within the law seem to get the sh*tty end of the stick

I'm just astounded at what you have done in the time it has taken me to drink 3 coffees (and I wonder why I have insomnia?! LOL)

I'm off to start on Mike's now! I think I perhaps should go and buy another jar

A huge well done from me - I hope life is kind to you from now on. I hope you are able to move onwards and upwards...

... and I hope that karma really IS a b*tch!

JohnnyJet

LemonLady wrote: »

I very very rarely post but I read regularly. I have a serious case of insomnia - I have been working a lot of nightshifts lately and my body clock won't switch back so I have just sat and read your whole sorry saga from beginning to end. What an incredible thing you have achieved and what an absolutely astounding role model you have been to your kids. Its amazing what you can do when your back is against the wall and when you can't just curl up die because others depend on you. It seems so wrong that this can happen and I'm not convinced I would have handled myself with same grace and dignity you appear to have done. It really does make me wonder why those who act with morals and within the law seem to get the sh*tty end of the stick

I'm just astounded at what you have done in the time it has taken me to drink 3 coffees (and I wonder why I have insomnia?! LOL)

I'm off to start on Mike's now! I think I perhaps should go and buy another jar

A huge well done from me - I hope life is kind to you from now on. I hope you are able to move onwards and upwards...

... and I hope that karma really IS a b*tch!

Very kind of you to read the whole thread. It's not been easy keeping going at times and there has been the odd week where depression has got the better of me but it's getting better now. I'm sure I feel the same anger as most people but ultimately it was my fault that I got into this situation. You would not believe the amount of bad things that I have done to the builder in my mind but if I acted on it then I would be the one in court.

I have the electricians in next week to hopefully give me some light upstairs, which really is a milestone. Still a lot to do but don't have to rush so much.

Anyway I expect that you have read Mike's story by now and have probably though that his plight was also pretty shocking.

Now get some sleep!!

JohnnyJet

I now have power upstairs, electricians finally came today and have done it all in one day.

MatyMoo

JohnnyJet wrote: »

I now have power upstairs, electricians finally came today and have done it all in one day.

:j:T:beer::T:j:j:T:beer::T:j:j:T:beer::T:j:j:T:beer::T:j

Great news!

lisawaters

JohnnyJet wrote: »

I now have power upstairs, electricians finally came today and have done it all in one day.

Excellent! That calls for Champagne, or strong lager anyway....

Keep going!

miggy

JohnnyJet wrote: »

I now have power upstairs, electricians finally came today and have done it all in one day.

Brilliant! I hope it's all lit up like a Christmas tree in celebration!