Ripped off By Builder

GeorgeUK

Good luck with this JJ. Not been able to give any helpful advice but hope you and the family are able to get through this okay.

Was wondering if he could be done for willful destruction of private property. It certainly doesn't sound like he knew what he was doing.

miggy

Good to have you back JJ, and to hear that you have a place to stay.

The dodgy builder sounds like a candidate for 'Cowboy Builders' - have you tried contacing them?

JohnnyJet

miggy wrote: »

Good to have you back JJ, and to hear that you have a place to stay.

The dodgy builder sounds like a candidate for 'Cowboy Builders' - have you tried contacing them?

Yes I have contacted them but haven't heard anything. Thanks to Mike I also contacted three others and one of them is very promising. Don't really want to say too much right now but I think this one will progress. Not big budget but think it will really help.

Happytogetdebtfree

Hi jj are you still living at your friends house then now ?? how long before the house will be livable ?? x

JohnnyJet

MatyMoo wrote: »

Glad to see you back posting JJ, and even happier to know that you still have a roof over your heads!

Things seem to be moving on for you which is great news.

Not sure the police will be interested unfortunately as I think it is a civil matter (though criminal in our minds that dodgy builders can leave a home in this state and rip people off).

People are still here willing to help, you just need to ask.

MatyMoo

I don't really expect to get anywhere with the police, I spoke to them when this all started, before I got all the evidence together and they mentioned that it is probably a civil matter, even though he has in effect stolen my money and vandalised my house.

The help that I need currently, which may sound strange, isn't really labour work as I am starting to get on top of the building tasks. I am hoping to have some sort of electrics in place in about a month. The plumber has said that he will fix the broken toilet for free, so now I just need to get a sink (the bath was already paid for and delivered). I've been trying to get a good, cheap plasterer to do a couple of rooms and am seeing a couple later today. There's still loads to complete but I am feeling a bit more optimistic about the house now.

I am so bad at asking for help, I have only just asked my sister for help with finishing clearing the garden, that was after she visited for the first time since the work started and I saw the shock on her face when she walked in the house. At least then my kids will have somewhere safe to play.

Unfortunately the help that I need which is now becoming pressing is legal advice. I wanted it to wait until I had moved back in but don't think it will. Anyone got any experience of no win no fee? or even court procedures. Can I force the builder to reveal expenses on the job? I'm certain that he has pocketed most of my money I just need to prove it.

I am so grateful for all the help and support that you have all given, it has given me the strength to keep fighting. I read every single post and consider every idea. My deadlines have changed a bit, realistically don't think we will be able to move back in for several months, the place just isn't safe.

JohnnyJet

Happytogetdebtfree wrote: »

Hi jj are you still living at your friends house then now ?? how long before the house will be livable ?? x

A couple of months I think. I know I'm eager to get back in but it still has to be safe for the children. The builder is going to board up some of the rooms until we can afford to finish them.

Happytogetdebtfree

I have just re read the first post... is there anyway you could get a loan to go to court or i know its not advised ask family members to laon you cash to go to court this ( appropritae word) has just been down right rude !!! i hope he gets his come uppence the awful awful person .... have you requested him to send you proof of the bills of materials i wonder if that is possible ? its a blooming disgrace ... and id let him take you to court on his costs !! and id have your say and let him sing for the cash! ive got myself so angry i can not believe this goes on !!

JohnnyJet

Happytogetdebtfree wrote: »

I have just re read the first post... is there anyway you could get a loan to go to court or i know its not advised ask family members to laon you cash to go to court this ( appropritae word) has just been down right rude !!! i hope he gets his come uppence the awful awful person .... have you requested him to send you proof of the bills of materials i wonder if that is possible ? its a blooming disgrace ... and id let him take you to court on his costs !! and id have your say and let him sing for the cash! ive got myself so angry i can not believe this goes on !!

I'm not happy with taking a loan out for a case where even if I win he may not pay up. I'm going to see if I can get a no win no fee case or if not go down the DIY route which I think Mike has experience with.

Happytogetdebtfree

I think no win no fee is the case of have you had a slip trip or fall which is a shame I wish I had more legal advice :-/

miggy

JohnnyJet wrote: »

Yes I have contacted them but haven't heard anything. Thanks to Mike I also contacted three others and one of them is very promising. Don't really want to say too much right now but I think this one will progress. Not big budget but think it will really help.

I do hope something comes of it! I also noticed another programme of this ilk will be starting on Thursday. I can't remember the name but shows how big an issue it is, and also how much it's coming to the fore.
Re: applying to programmes, I would imagine they aren't short of deserving cases and the way to get on there is to have something that no-one else has. Mike, for instance, had the 'mob' emailing like mad, he also had human interest and a beautiful house which already had stories attached. Lots of pluses. So what are your 'selling points? Very young children, your wife whose health isn't so good, the amount of real damage done... and you will probably be able to think of more, not least the interest on this forum! It sounds mercenary but programmes have to be commercially viable and to be that, they have to be a saleable product. Your job (one of the many!) becomes selling the 'sell points' to the producer.
Sorry, you probably did all this already.

I'm not, unfortunately, your legal bod, but they're out there somewhere.

JohnnyJet wrote: »

I am so bad at asking for help, I have only just asked my sister for help with finishing clearing the garden, that was after she visited for the first time since the work started and I saw the shock on her face when she walked in the house. At least then my kids will have somewhere safe to play.

It took me most of my life to get to the point where I could ask for help. Eventually I discovered I was not creating an inconvenience, as I imagined. People offer because they want to make things better - often they have already discovered that helping others is a really nice feeling. If you've heard that 'it's more blessed to give than receive', it's true. Perhaps people feel flattered to be asked? I don't mean taken advantage of, of course, but valued.

And it sounds as though you're making real progress. :T:T:T I'm impressed. When the going gets tough, the tough get going, as they say!