advice re problems with builder

bar_1

Hi,

We are having a small extension done, including kitchen and bathroom being fitted. Our builder has always been a little slow with progress (here 1 day back a few days later for half a day) but 3 weeks ago he took out the toilet (bath and kitchen already gone). Telling us it would be a week max. Also not secured new back door in properly and didn't even bother to board up the window gap in the new extension which comes right into the house.

So I am staying at my partners sisters house and dropping my partner back home to sleep every night so the house is not left unattended. Now, it been 3 weeks since the toilet came out and he has done only 3-4 hours of work (actually a few of his lads, not even him).

After threatening to seek legal advice he texted to say he will be with us next week and would explain why he hasn't been then. He has broken his contract saying the work should have been completed 2 weeks ago.


We have (very foolishly) paid him all the money (we have receipts) and don't know what the next stage should be if he doesn't turn up as planned Monday. Should we say we want a refund for materials and labour so we can get someone else in now? Say we are now seeking legal advice? Write to him?


We are trying to not let things get to nasty yet as we want him to come back and finish the work. And by other posts on 'my builder' (where we found him) people are saying he is doing good work. But one person who he did a big job for says he took his time, communication was poor but quality of work good.

Another issues Is that we have a renter who has had to move in with his mum and we are losing rent. There is only about 5 days work left to do. We just want our home back.

Any advice would be much appreciated?

dander

You were indeed very foolish to pay all the money up front! Do you have a written contract with him? Do you have an address for him, or just mobile phone contact?
If you've handed all the money over, you've put yourself in a very weak position, so you're going to have to tread carefully. Have you set a time for him to turn up on Monday so it's a firm appointment where you can talk to him about what's happening, or is it just a question of him showing up at some stage?

macman

Why on earth did you engage a builder who insisted on full payment upfront (presumably you didn't offer this amazingly generous arrangement of your own volition)?

bar_1

Please, I've come on here for advice, not to be preached to about something I have very quickly learnt from.

No fixed time arranged for monday. Yes, have contract. It was asking for money on particular dates (which we complied to) and had a date which the work was to be completed by (monday 11th Oct).

Yes, we have his address.

shegar

Well sorry to agree with the other members post, but you are not in a good position.......

If he does not turn up monday then go and see him face to face, dont phone him because you will probaly get another excuse , however angry you are and I would be too , you must not fall out with him, I expect as he has your money up front he will now do it in his own time ....If you dont mind me asking how much is the total job?

dander

Yep agree with Shegar - if you have his address you have the ability to go and see him. I would start by being firmly professional with him. If he lets you down on Monday, then arrange a firm appointment with him at a set time to sit down and discuss progress. Don't make threats, stay calm and try and appeal to his better nature - but professionally - don't beg!

Do give Consumer Direct a call - they will be able to give you guidelines on what it's reasonable to expect and the names of certain acts that apply etc, so you will be able to mention them in your discussions. If you can give him the impression that you are clued up on your rights without actually getting threatening over it, it should give him a warning that you are to be taken seriously.

phill99

Struth....

bar_1

Thanks very much. We have been firm but fair in our approach I believe, so hopefully this can be resolved without too much hard feeling (and the work having been completed). I get the impression he doesn't like confrontation, saying he will turn up when he knows he won't/can't.

We have said that we only feel it reasonable for him to turn up Monday to discuss the situation and have explained we are just frustrated by it all. He has said he understands why and would feel the same! My concern is that the more we are getting onto him the harder it is for him to face us, hence not having gone in too heavy yet.

Indeed, why should he now rush to complete a job he has been paid for! Hindsight, I love it!

shegar

If you get monday and he dont turn up, and you go to see him you could explain again your living situations and that you need your home back, if he says he as relation probs or something similar "they usually do use that as an excuse" or the weather as delayed him , ask him if he cant complete the job would he refund you for works not done that youve paid for ,, and you then can get another builder in.........

This time use the FMB website in your area or recommendations via friends family ..............I hope for you that he doesnt have financial difficulties and used your money that you have paid him to keep the bank happy or his suppliers.........

bar_1

Sorry Shegar, forgot to state, total cost is 12,500. Probably not done around 4,000 worth of work, and needs to supply around 1,500 worth of materials.

shegar

bar_1 wrote: »

Sorry Shegar, forgot to state, total cost is 12,500. Probably not done around 4,000 worth of work, and needs to supply around 1,500 worth of materials.

Oh dear me thats a lot of money.....you cant argue considering the position you are in....I wish you well....