How do you deal with builder overcharging?

oz0707

slabs and footings are not always straight forward and predictable. You dont know what the grounds like till you get into it, deeper footings etc

eco-friendly_2

oz0707 wrote: »

slabs and footings are not always straight forward and predictable. You dont know what the grounds like till you get into it, deeper footings etc

Maybe? that's why mutley paid the TWONK another eighty five sovs...

but now he has the dodgy tiling to contend with, this character is not a professional builder.

mutley74

back to my current job..this builder is taking the mick! was supossed to be finished mid last week. he only works 2-3 hrs a day and then disappears for several hours or arrives late or leaves early. guess he has another job on, although he denies it. totally disappointed on how he fitted my sink..
now he told my dad who was house wtaching that the electrics are extra - which is not what i was agreed.
can see this one either ending up costing more or in dispute.
any help welcome if he starts disputing and asking for more cash? (no written estimate/price was given by him. everything was agreed before verbally) (lesson learned before you tell me off:o).

whats the worst that can happen with a dispute with a lying builder?
(family are concerned that he may come back and do damage or something stupid). Ideally want him out now. Which is shame as the initial jobs started off well.

RX-78

Just a thought but have you considered speaking with trading standard (you dont have to make a complaint but can get advice on how to deal with the poor service. They might also have record of previous complaints on this builder which might make your decision making easier) or Citizen's Advice for advice?

RX-78

Quick extracts from TS

"The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 states that when work is carried out by a trader you can expect it to be done with reasonable care and skill, in a reasonable time for a reasonable charge

The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 allow you to challenge terms that may be unfair or unreasonable and/or restrict your statutory rights. When you enter into an agreement for work to be done that costs over £35 you are entitled to a minimum seven-day cooling-off period to be notified in writing. When you find that work carried out is unsatisfactory, or takes too long to complete, you may be able to claim compensation."

eco-friendly_2

mutley74 wrote: »

whats the worst that can happen with a dispute with a lying builder?
(family are concerned that he may come back and do damage or something stupid). Ideally want him out now. .

Don't allow the MUPPET to cross the threshold, any problem dial 999. Unfortunately you've been taken by a 'conman' a 'salesman' who can talk the talk... It happens! It will always happen until there's legislation or licensing in place. Why is this country so backward?

mutley74

thanks for tips. my folks are house watching this week for me, as i taken some days of last week but he made a 3-4day job run into 2 weeks due to his own faults. each time he keeps moaning he's overbudget on this job and going back over what was included in the price.

will see how today go, and will try to speak to trading standards as well.

latecomer

Sounds very similar to the situation we got ourselves into with a builder. Basically the work rate and quality started giong downhill and we made the mistake of getting ahead of the payment schedule. in the end we gave them a choice of fixing all identified faults to our complete satisfaction before any further payment or leaving immediately with no payment.

They made various threats of "taking matters further" and we ended up getting some expensive legal advice but in the end we got them offsite and now have someone else finishing the job properly. We may not have heard the last of them but we have all the evidence we need to fight any legal battle.

mutley74

latecomer wrote: »

Sounds very similar to the situation we got ourselves into with a builder. Basically the work rate and quality started giong downhill and we made the mistake of getting ahead of the payment schedule. in the end we gave them a choice of fixing all identified faults to our complete satisfaction before any further payment or leaving immediately with no payment.

They made various threats of "taking matters further" and we ended up getting some expensive legal advice but in the end we got them offsite and now have someone else finishing the job properly. We may not have heard the last of them but we have all the evidence we need to fight any legal battle.

trading standards said if we had a written contract/quote tehy would get involved to help. But as everything was verbal agreement they said wait to see what he does, but can assist if needed.
He failed to turn up today with various lame excuses. i rang and told him either send some other qualified contractor or lets finish this for whats has been done to date. he apologised and said he will turn up tomorrow, so that is his final chance:eek:

mutley74

ARGH Vent!
Just when i thought things were going to completion in amicable manner and he had agreed to resolve some faults he just made another blunder.
on a kitchen unit he drilled the handle screw holes on wrong side. Then re-drilled them on correct side, and filled in the wrong holes with silicone!
I've not said a word yet, but expect as its his fault he should buy a new unit/door?
but as he is already moaning about the job, and time taken (thats because he only been working a few hrs a day) dont think he will do anything expect moan about his time and costs.