Self employed, not getting paid

DotandDot

Hi
I find myself in a very similar situation as andrewlucas.
I am a self employed plumber and recently done some work for a local loft conversion company, i have previously worked for the guy and been paid with no problems, no contract was exchanged and all communication was verbal.
The Work in question involved me supplying and fitting the pipe work and radiators for the new loft conversion, there was also work done to instal a new stack pipe to accommodate the waste pipes.
When i started the work i was asked for a quote, i told the builder that i was not sure of the price but assured him that i would do the work at a reasonable rate as per the previous job. On completion of the work i gave the builder my price and he hit the roof saying he did'nt think it would be so high, i then explained to him the breakdown of costs, and also agreed on the phone a lower fee. He then told me there was no money left in the job and i would have to wait.
I have since phoned him on a number of occasions and left messages with no response over the last 6 weeks.
I managed to catch him on the phone today and i was told that he cant pay me as there was no money left, i would have to take him to court but if i do he said he would fight me on the basis of me not giving him a quote. He then told me to give him an invoice and we will take it from there.
I know he has started another loft conversion so he has access to money, but pleads to me that he is broke.
I also know that the carpenter and electrician are still owed money from the same job.
I was going to go and see him personaly but after reading the post from andrew lucus i think i will send him the invoice etc recorded delivery.
If anyone has any thoughts of how i stand to get paid, i would be most grateful
I know my rates are very reasonable and i really need the money, i have even had to borrow money to pay my suppliers for the materials i supplied, let alone the lost labour costs.
Thanks in advance

andrewlucas

Hi Mate
I know what your going threw.
I just want to know where I stand legally before I start any action as this company is my main source of income ,however small the cheques have been.
So I need to find another firm to subby to at the same time which isnt going to be easy at the mooment.

Cheers

Andy

villabadger

Andrew - what trade are you and where are you based? Might have work for you if you're a chippie and in the Midlands.

DotandDot - where are you based? I need the services of a very inexpensive plumber in Devon.

Thanks

andrewlucas

Hi
I am a Carpet Fitter based in Bristol so if you ever have anything in the South West let me know.

Thanks

Andy

Hammyman

DotandDot wrote: »

Hi

If anyone has any thoughts of how i stand to get paid, i would be most grateful
I know my rates are very reasonable and i really need the money, i have even had to borrow money to pay my suppliers for the materials i supplied, let alone the lost labour costs.
Thanks in advance

Follow my advice in the other thread. Whether your rates are reasonable or not is irrelevant. The fact you didn't give him an estimate or quote is irrelevant as he gave you permission to continue with the work.

Chances are you'll find he owes money to suppliers all over the place. One of my mates dads was a builder and like that. Nobody apart from my mate shed a tear when he died due to the trail of devastation he left in his wake to both customers and suppliers.

If he's Ltd though, be aware he could fold the company rather than pay which will end up with you being put on a list of creditors and ultimately not getting your money.

DotandDot

Villabadger i am based in Northanpton so a bit too far for me, but thanks anyway.
Hammyman thanks for the reply, i will follow your advice and let you know whats going on, if he is limited, can he fold the company with work in progress?
Thanks
DotandDot

Hammyman

DotandDot wrote: »

if he is limited, can he fold the company with work in progress?
Thanks
DotandDot

Sadly, yes.