Problem with builder - please advise

HC123

Hi there,

I need some advice from someone in the know please.

We have brought a builder/decorater in to rectify some issues with existing rendering.

Although they started well, things appear to be going downhill and we are really unhappy with the way the work is progressing.

The builder does appear open to a conversation on how to make things better but what I wanted to know is, where do we stand with stopping the works and witholding money if we're not happy?

Any advice welcome.

HC123

Thanks for this. School girl error - didn't sign a contract just confirmed by email to proceed with works as per quotation. Have learnt valuable lessons from this experience!
The builder is currently keen to rectify so I am hopeful that an amicable solution is possible, I was just keen to understand my position in case the worst happens.

Thanks again.

iamcornholio

A written contract is not required.

It just depends on what you asked him to do. Its that simple

It's implied with any builder that he knows his stuff, and so all you need to say is "Repair my render" and it is implicit that he works professionally, takes all due care, does the work to any relevent standard, and leaves it in a sound finished condition.

Price may impact the level of service and standard of the finished work, so top rates mean a top job, but low rates do not mean a bad job - just a lower standard but still satisfactory

If you are not happy, you must tell him. He may be doing bad work, but equally you may have unrealistic expectations. Also there may be some confusion as to what you wanted and what he thought you wanted.

If you are not happy, then you are entitled to end the relationship. Now, you then have to decide if he is entitled to all the agreed money, part of it for the work done to date, or just a token part based on bad work and if you needing to pay to have it corrected. But he must be given the oportunity to correct bad work

What you can't do is not pay him any money due, or not pay him just because things are not as you expected. If he has done as you asked, to a satisfatory standard, then that is all he could do and so he must be paid for work done. if you want a higher standard and he can't do it, then fair enough, pay him off and get someone else in, but end it on good terms

HC123

Thank you so much for this. I think what you have said is absolutely fair. We are meeting the builder this week to do exactly as you suggest - agree expectations. Much appreciated post.