Getting money back from cowboy builders

lisawaters

persephone85 wrote: »

Hi all,
Just had a text today from a good and caring friend directing me to this forum as I am in despair having had my life wrecked by a cowboy who did an appalling job on my house and then did not answer calls or letters.I had just moved, due to divorce, borrowed money to do up the only house I could afford here in the expensive south east and he left me with a house that is far worse than when he started.... how low can people stoop! I went to CAB (very helpful), Trading Standards (ditto) but finally had to see a solicitor (at £285 an hour!) but had to stop as I had paid him (solicitor) £4000 and did n't seem to be getting anywhere! I now live in a cold, crumbling little house that I hate and feel cheated out of £23 000 plus what I paid the solicitor.... would that I could have my time over again! I am 58 and shall have to continue to work full time for many years to try and get straight but cannot really ever see that happening! How do these people sleep at nights! Sorry that my first posting is so miserable... can't help the way I feel!

You came to the right place. Keep posting, maybe start your own thread and tell us where it is (post a link). Lots of people here ready to keep your spirits up. It wasn't your fault, and it can be sorted out.

x

RuthnJasper

I agree with Mike and MatyMoo. I am so sorry for what has happened to you Persephone. But you ARE in a good place, where people genuinely care. Keep going, as Mike did, and don't let the bad guys take your spirit as well as your money. I am, unfortunately, unable to offer specifically helpful advice, other than that you won't always be in this situation and that other people will be along very shortly to provide more useful guidance.

Just reading Mike's posts and the replies on here today, from the beginning of the whole sorry business up to this moment, has really cheered me a lot today and I'm sure there is lots within the whole site here that will help you. But please don't give up - you are, I'm certain, far too special a person to go under because of someone else's wrongdoing. Good luck to you.

Roo xxx

mandy_s_2

Wow!!!! Just watched the show on iplayer after reading this weeks mse email. I am completely blown away! If anyone wants something to restore their faith in mankind - minus a certain builder - they should read Mikes threads and check out the show. I am amazed by peoples generosity. Congratulations Mike and hope you and the boys are enjoying your gorgeous home (so want to live in Littlehampton!)
:j

DaisyChainMaker

Have you got any success with the nasty beastie of a builder who ripped ya off?

lisawaters

http://youropenbook.org/?q=diy+sos&gender=any

Another link...

persephone85

Already I am beginning to feel less alone! Thank you already to those who have shown care. I too have just watched the transformation of Mike's life and wish him and his sons all that they wish themselves.... thanks for restoring my faith in human nature. ... I would start my own "thread" if I had any idea how to... sorry for encroaching on this happy one with my own miseries! x

lisawaters

mandy_s wrote: »

Wow!!!! Just watched the show on iplayer after reading this weeks mse email. I am completely blown away! If anyone wants something to restore their faith in mankind - minus a certain builder - they should read Mikes threads and check out the show. I am amazed by peoples generosity. Congratulations Mike and hope you and the boys are enjoying your gorgeous home (so want to live in Littlehampton!)
:j

Thanks!

x

Mike1901

Just a reminder - if you want to watch it on iPlayer without the download, you've only got until midnight tomorrow to do it. It really is a must-watch programme, even if - like me - you normally hate DIY shows with a passion!

Oh, and I've just realised this is going to get mega confusing for me, as there are now two Mike's reading this.... :P

Edit: Oh and persephone: don't worry about voicing your anxieties, that's what this amazing community was set up by Martin originally to help . If you DO want to post a new thread, just go to the board you want to post it on (where all the subjects being talked about are being listed) and click on the New Thread button just above the top discussion topic on the left hand side .

Broomstick

lisawaters wrote: »

I had a Welcome To Your New Home card today addressed to Mike and the Boys, Littlehampton.

I'm knocked out. Not least by the Royal Mail!

That means you are now as famous as 'Father Christmas, North Pole'.

I saw the programme when it was broadcast and have been meaning to post here ever since. It's a fabulous happy ending (beginning?). I hope you and your sons have a wonderful time in your new home.

B x

PS What happened to Neville then?

lisawaters

Broomstick wrote: »

That means you are now as famous as 'Father Christmas, North Pole'.

I saw the programme when it was broadcast and have been meaning to post here ever since. It's a fabulous happy ending (beginning?). I hope you and your sons have a wonderful time in your new home.

B x

PS What happened to Neville then?

He went to mouse heaven, and is gambolling through fields of different cheeses... oh and he's engaged.

x