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Cowboy workman!

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Hello all,

Our bathroom was in desparate need of re-tiling and a friend recommended a local handyman who provided a competitive quote to to replace the wall and floor tiles.

Within days of finishing the job, all of the tiles became loose and most of the grouting disappeared. It's currently an absolute mess and the bathroom is quickly becoming unusable due to the uneven tiles.

I was probably a bit naïve, but I paid the handyman in cash and only know his name and mobile number. I have phoned and sent text messages every single day, however he hasn't had the courtesy to respond and correct his shoddy workmanship.

In my last text to the workman, I advised him that the work needed to be competed to a satisfactory standard within the next seven days, otherwise I would be left with no option but to have the work corrected by another tiler and to take legal action against him for the cost of this work. I'm more than happy to do this, but it's going to be impossible to take legal action without knowing his postal address.

Does anybody have any suggestions, no matter how daft they seem, for tracking down this workman and getting the job completed, please?

Thank you very much,

Peter.

Comments

  • pinkshoes
    pinkshoes Posts: 20,535 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Ask your friend?

    Look on local tradesman sites to see if he's registered?

    Phone him using a different number and book him to do a job elsewhere, then lock him in a shed and call the police?
    Should've = Should HAVE (not 'of')
    Would've = Would HAVE (not 'of')

    No, I am not perfect, but yes I do judge people on their use of basic English language. If you didn't know the above, then learn it! (If English is your second language, then you are forgiven!)
  • texranger
    texranger Posts: 1,845 Forumite
    pinkshoes wrote: »
    lock him in a shed and call the police?

    you cant do this
  • paddyrg
    paddyrg Posts: 13,543 Forumite
    texranger wrote: »
    you cant do this

    Well you can, but oughtn't ;-)

    Have a word with the friend who recommended the numpty? Did he use grout all over instead of tile adhesive or something? Or toothpaste?!
  • pg2114
    pg2114 Posts: 92 Forumite
    pinkshoes wrote: »
    Ask your friend?
    I have been trying to phone my friend all day, but I have a horrible feeling that he's disappeared off on holiday! I shall keep trying, but I don't think my friend will have any more details than I have.
    pinkshoes wrote: »
    Look on local tradesman sites to see if he's registered?
    I have searched all over the Internet as well as local business listings, but I can't find anything unfortunately.
    pinkshoes wrote: »
    Phone him using a different number and book him to do a job elsewhere, then lock him in a shed and call the police?
    Trust me, I'd absolutely love to lock him in my shed! I have tried calling him from different numbers and withheld numbers, but he hasn't answered a single call.
    paddyrg wrote: »
    Did he use grout all over instead of tile adhesive or something? Or toothpaste?!
    It seriously looks as though he has tried to stick the tiles down with toothpaste! I have no idea what he's actually done wrong, but it looks dreadful.

    Many thanks for all of your responses. I really appreciate your help :)

    Peter.
  • FATBALLZ
    FATBALLZ Posts: 5,146 Forumite
    Unfortunately this is the issue with paying workmen in cash and getting no receipt, you have no comeback if they do a crap job.
  • pitkin2020
    pitkin2020 Posts: 4,029 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    if he isn't answering any calls even from a withheld number than he could be away/holiday/dead, how long have been trying to contact him, since when I mean.
    Everyones opinion is the most important.....no wonder nothing is ever agreed on.
  • pitkin2020
    pitkin2020 Posts: 4,029 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    texranger wrote: »
    you cant do this

    lighten up I expect it was meant as a joke..........
    Everyones opinion is the most important.....no wonder nothing is ever agreed on.
  • pg2114
    pg2114 Posts: 92 Forumite
    pitkin2020 wrote: »
    if he isn't answering any calls even from a withheld number than he could be away/holiday/dead, how long have been trying to contact him, since when I mean.
    It's been going on for about two weeks now. I am asking everybody I know in case anybody knows where abouts he lives and then I can look it up on the electoral register :o

    Peter.
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