Getting money back from cowboy builders

lisawaters

BILLIE wrote: »

Come on Mike serious now, what do you think is the best change since the filming finished apart from having all us lovely peeps following your every move!!

Many, many good things. Hard to say which is the best. Prob how good things are now with the boys.

On the other hand, when you have been literally lifted up by a huge number of people and carried through and out of a dark time in your life, it's tough seeing them drift away afterwards. There's a special bond.

lisawaters

diadeb wrote: »

Well what a marathon in more ways than one! Popping in to say hello to Mike and all in his mob. Well done you all.

I hadn't watched DIY SOS for ages, but did record the Children in Need One. The following week I sat down to watch good ol Beeny in Restoration Nightmare only to find that it had recorded The Big Build instead. How glad am I! That was the most heartwarming and tear jerking programme I have seen in years and as soon as I saw the screen, I recognised MSE and logged in.

I have spent HOURS since then reading the story/threads (and I certainly haven't had time to read all the posts ) and just thinking how fab the internet is when it brings together such fab people and support for strangers from around the country.

Would love to have been part of it as we have lived on a "building site" for years now, as we do up our house ourselves. It's so much easier sometimes to do for others than for ourselves. I hope it will give me the shove I need to get motivated on a room/project again .

Sorry to hear all the troubles you have/had Mike, builders, depression, jobs etc and so hope that as life goes on you will gradually climb up to the top of the world again. Trust me, you come across as one lovely guy who writes/speaks so eloquently (when required!) and I like so many others believe you and your lovely sons really deserved that "rebuild" as it was nothing less!

Keep posting everyone, I have subscribed to the thread so will be eavesdropping.

PS BTW what happened to the Scottish Lady from the mob who travelled down to you despite a house in a mess with a repo on it? Was it Quiet Spark?

Hi! Thanks for writing.

Glad you enjoyed the prog too and read some of the backstory. It was a tough journey but possible because of all these great people. Everyone seems to have got something different from it.

You're right about it being easier to help others with a chunk of their projects than facing your own. I'm convinced there's a huge pool of people who would like to volunteer to help people for a few days or a week or whatever. I thought this watching Grand Designs once, where labour is often needed more than money. Not sure how it would work but there's a ot to be gained individually by helping other people.

Well done for reading so far back. It was fun and I learned a huge amount about people and myself.

x

compforus

Wow, just watching you on DIY SOS. I take my hat off to you... you are a strong! I have had some experience of what you have been through but not on your scale. I have been through the depression, being conned, fighting for what is 'just' through the legal system (but realise I am probably throwing money down the drain).

Just wanted to say good on you for going the distance.

x

Butti

lisawaters wrote: »

Many, many good things. Hard to say which is the best. Prob how good things are now with the boys.

On the other hand, when you have been literally lifted up by a huge number of people and carried through and out of a dark time in your life, it's tough seeing them drift away afterwards. There's a special bond.

Your curtains surely? That would be it. Never mind the lads

MrsMoo2U

Mike,

I have deliberately not posted over the last few days because I thought that you would have enough on to deal with all your new callers. Lots are saying the same thing that we all believe and know. You are a lovely bloke and deserve all of the happiness that is to come your way. I also didnt post because I havent been able to find the words to say without sounding Bah Humbuggish but I just read this and I think that you have voiced how I thought that you might be feeling after the latest showing but didnt know how to ask.

On the other hand, when you have been literally lifted up by a huge number of people and carried through and out of a dark time in your life, it's tough seeing them drift away afterwards. There's a special bond.

I liken it to when somebody dies, everybody rallies around and helps when they think that you need it most and that tends to be immediately afterwards when, in reality, it can often be months down the line when things hit home. I hope that I am wrong but I wanted to apologise for not being around so much for you and to say that I am around if you want a grumble/chat/moan/laugh.

So, as a starter, what have you got planned for Christmas - wil you stil have the lights on the wall as a christmas tree this year? You have to keep up some traditions.

lisawaters

MrsMoo2U wrote: »

Mike,

I have deliberately not posted over the last few days because I thought that you would have enough on to deal with all your new callers. Lots are saying the same thing that we all believe and know. You are a lovely bloke and deserve all of the happiness that is to come your way. I also didnt post because I havent been able to find the words to say without sounding Bah Humbuggish but I just read this and I think that you have voiced how I thought that you might be feeling after the latest showing but didnt know how to ask.


I liken it to when somebody dies, everybody rallies around and helps when they think that you need it most and that tends to be immediately afterwards when, in reality, it can often be months down the line when things hit home. I hope that I am wrong but I wanted to apologise for not being around so much for you and to say that I am around if you want a grumble/chat/moan/laugh.

So, as a starter, what have you got planned for Christmas - wil you stil have the lights on the wall as a christmas tree this year? You have to keep up some traditions.

Thanks for that lovely and very sensitive post. Good to hear from you again. Lots of kind people are still around, but I don't expect them to come running just because I feel a bit wobbly. Knowing they're there is great. If I hit the wall again I think I could post something here and someone would have the answer. I hope that everyone feels the same way too - there's plenty of skill and knowledge here. Please don't apologise for anything! You're one of the good ones.

I thought for a moment there I was going to be invited to yours for Christmas lunch! Apparently not though. A fish finger sandwich with a candle stuck in it will be fine. No, really, don't worry about me...

I am, even as we speak, trialling some designs for a two-dimensional, wall-mounted Christmas tree. I cannot say any more just yet, but it's going to be the pup's pods.

x

MatyMoo

lisawaters wrote: »

I thought for a moment there I was going to be invited to yours for Christmas lunch! Apparently not though. A fish finger sandwich with a candle stuck in it will be fine. No, really, don't worry about me...

I thought it was macaroni cheese this year?

lisawaters wrote: »

I am, even as we speak, trialling some designs for a two-dimensional, wall-mounted Christmas tree. I cannot say any more just yet, but it's going to be the pup's pods.

x

Rodders says you are not having his :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

MrsMoo2U

Ah, trust me Mike, your fish finger butty (as we call it up north) will be a much more pleasant experience than me entertaining other halfs parents. Hmmm - do you fancy a swap?

And yes I agree there is always somebody around when we need them. And Max says your not having his either!!

wanders off pondering two dimensional wotsits......

tellmeitsfriday

Ha ha, Mrs Moo beat me to it - I was going to offer you my mum and dad, and I will sit here with my crusty baguette and fishy, fingery treats...

But the offer's there.. if you're interested.

Sorry if we've neglected you x

lisawaters

tellmeitsfriday wrote: »

I will sit here with my crusty baguette and fishy, fingery treats...

An enduring and slightly troubling image.


x

(Actually, I get on fine with people's Mummies; it's their daughters who don't want to know.)