Help needed on my rights with a dodgy roofer!

Weezane

Hello, I wondered if anyone would know what my rights are on this one... A couple of months ago, I appointed a local roofing company to fix a leak in my guttering - only a really small job, for which they said they would pop over at some point to pick up the payment. I have since received an invoice, but no one came to pick up the money. Since the 'repair' the leak has returned, in fact worse than before. I have informed them, both by email and on their answerphone, that they need to come back to fix the leak, but so far (3 weeks after the call) I have had no response from them. I haven't paid them, but really need the roof fixing.

Can I appoint someone else to fix the roof, and refuse to pay the original company if they chase for the payment? Do I need any proof to that effect, or is the email I sent to them enough?

Any advice greatfully received!!

ALIBOBSY

They made a verbal contract to fix the leak for x pounds, as far as I would be concerned they breached the contract by not fixing the leak.
I would write by recorded delivery as well as a further email and call. State the situation and give them say 7 days to contact you or you will consider the matter closed and get the leak fixed elsewhere. If no contact, get it fixed elsewhere and ensure you keep any evidence that their repair didn't work ie photos and a letter from the company who end up fixing it.
If the orignal company comes back asking for cash tell them to ahem go away (insert own words here)and if they try to take it to court (unlikely) you have the evidence to put before the judge.

ali x

Weezane

Thanks Ali, that's really helpful. I guess it's covering all the bases should there be a problem...

Antispam

Leaks are easily fixed in guttering I did my own using special mastic from wicks as I had metal guttering, I then applied bitumen paint (2 coats) making good any rust with metal hammerite type paint

I find doing jobs myself when possible better as I am sick to death of unreliable, over charging tradesman who neither want the work or when said they do dont turn up nor have decency to even inform you