My builder went bankrupt

fuzzball172

We just found out the our builder has gone bankrupt, taking with him about £5000 of our money. His lads waited till we were out and came and grabbed their tools, but they have left the scaffolding up. Can I legally sell it to recover some of the money he owes us?

stef73

Is it his scaffolding or a hire companies ?

bryanb

If he owns it, it's an asset. I guess the OR wants it.
If it's hired the owner will want it. Either way you can't sell

fuzzball172

Its their scaffolding

Equaliser123

No you can't sell it. If you do, you will be liable to the receivers and it may well constitute a criminal offence.

It is a bit like the builder making off with your car if you didn't pay the bill.

Sandoval

I wouldn't imagine that a couple of poles and planks will recoup much of your five-grand loss.

fuzzball172

i feel like taking them round his house, one pole through each window... but that would be naughty:mad:

redmalc

I work in the insolvency industry and would advise you to write to the OR / Insolvency Practioner and advise them that you have the scaffolding and that you are going to sell it to recover your debt and that it is a security issue being around your property.I can advise you they will not come to collect it !!

unholyangel

How did you pay him?

I'm guessing cash/Bank transfer/cheque but i'm hoping credit card.

Equaliser123

redmalc wrote: »

I work in the insolvency industry and would advise you to write to the OR / Insolvency Practioner and advise them that you have the scaffolding and that you are going to sell it to recover your debt and that it is a security issue being around your property.I can advise you they will not come to collect it !!

That is really poor advice. You are not entitled to just sell property. The scaffolding wasn't provided as security for any work and it would leave the OP open liable to a claim and, potentially, criminal action.

Greatgimp

By security they mean that the house may be easier to burgle!