Unfinished landscaping project, what can I do?

louisdog

Hi all

I wonder if anyone can give me any advise please.

We had a landscaping company in to dig a pond and landscape our back garden, starting in mid-July. It was a three week job but we added some extra turf and gravelling which they reckoned would cost £xx extra and add an extra week to the job.

They kept turning up, doing good work and then asking for payment on the Friday for work done.

Then suddenly one Monday they didn't turn up, and have only been for odd couple of hours here and there since.

I have phoned them frequently and they never call back, the boss is never available and the people in the office say the boss said he'll be back onsite tomorrow/next week etc, or that they are waiting for a part, or that they are busy on another job.

Unfortunately I think I have paid them for a bit more than they have actually done, so there is no motivation for them to turn up and actually finish the job.

Can anyone advise if there is anything I can do to get them to finish the job? The pond has specialised pipework which only they know how to connect.

I feel like there is nothing I can do to hurry things up - should I contact trading standards, take legal advice, or what?

Maybe I can get a quote for completing the project and then sue them for any shortfall or something?

Any advice gratefully received, I don't know where else to turn.

Thanks!

InsideInsurance

Do you have any form of written contract (ideally) or at least a comprehensive quote?

Is there any mention in that of either timescales or payment terms? Were these documents updated once you extended the amount of work?

Whilst they are turning up to bits and pieces it is going to be much more difficult to argue breach of contract unless you have a written agreement stating a timescale in which it would be completed.

louisdog

Thanks for your reply.

I do have a contract that they provided, and a written quote, I will dig them out, but don't think they mention a finish date. Payment terms may have been outlined on there though I think.

Documents were not altered when work was extended.

I just remembered, they took away an old pond filter, and were going to give me £100 credit off the bill for it, it was around then that they disappeared, I wonder if that makes any difference to anything.

I have left messages earlier this afternoon (when I called and boss was out, due back at half-four) and then at half-four, when he had been back in but was out again, asking for a callback but I suspect I will not get one. It's really hard when they won't even communicate.

I was wondering about getting some legal advice with one of those free initial sessions that some companies give but I m really unsure whether they can do anything.

unholyangel

Put your complaint in writing. Whats wrong, what you want done and when you want it done by.

You should include about the filter, total amound paid to date and work still remaining to be done.

louisdog

Thanks that's a great idea, I shall do! I will list all outstanding works etc, and will send the letter recorded delivery.

arcon5

I'd also consider adding in the letter that if they're not able to offer a resolution you will consider having another company complete to work and recover any differences in costs, plus the credit on the account via the courts because of their breach of contract.

Seems to me you've been patient enough with them so it's time to get the firm hand out and stop asking and start telling.

If their offices are close by, also consider visiting them there,..............