Unhappy with finish - Should I cancel cheque?

retepetsir

We're in our first home together so dealing with tradesmen is new to us

I'll try and make this brief. Gathered a number of quotes for tiling a couple of floors in our place, both small rooms. Time estimate was 3-4 days (included removing old flooring and prep).

Tiler seemed good at first but I was made aware that they had just arranged another easy 4 week new-build job for today (Friday) so was hoping to finish the work in 3 days.

I was in for the first 2 days but unfortunately had to work yesterday, so my other half was at home instead. The tiler was finishing off everything yesterday, including grouting, but according to my other half was very rushed at the end and practically ran out the door at 6.30pm.

Now this is where the problem is, my other half handed over a cheque for the amount which we were quoted but didn't fully check everything (she wouldn't know what to look for anyway). Having come home from work I've found that one silver door finishing strip between the tiles and carpet is completely loose, not even fixed down so quite dangerous. I've just lifted it up and taken it out! It looks like the bottom section should be secured under the tiles.

There's also a serious of three dents in one of the walls and some of the new skirting has been pulled off slightly as we have a 2mm gap between skirting and wall.

So what should I do? I have left a message on the person's mobile and also sent an email with the issues, but the cheque was handed over yesterday. Should I cancel it until the issues are resolved?

The quote wasn't particularly cheap but at the time they seemed much more professional than anyone else we had round to quote for the work.

Thanks :eek:

macman

No, you should discuss it with the supplier-cancelling the entire cheque is going to hack them of mightily, given that it appears that only minor making good is required.

retepetsir

macman wrote: »

No, you should discuss it with the supplier-cancelling the entire cheque is going to hack them of mightily, given that it appears that only minor making good is required.

That's what I thought initially. The work seemed good whilst I was there so its a shame it went downhill when my other half was around. Will try and make contact again today. However going by the 'I have 4 solid weeks of easy work' quote the other day I'm doubtful as to whether they'll have any spare time available.

We'll see. Just a little hacked off after it started so well. There's also excess grout and adhesive splattered on walls and fixtures which isn't ideal.

Kiran

Hopefully the message and email you've sent will rectify the situation. Its possible that the tiler was in a rush and missed a couple of small things however it probably is only a couple of hours work to fix. However if they are not forthcoming in making good the snagging then send them a letter by recorded delivery giving them 14 days to make good or bear the costs of A.N Other coming into complete their work.

I doubt very much it will come to this as from the sounds of it your tiler was just under time pressure.

keystone

Absolutely you must not cancel the cheque. He would be well within his rights to take you to court for it as you are under an obligation to pay him for the 90% of the work he has satisfactorily done. You must give him time to recify these faults and write don't email and don't phone. Then you have a paper trail if it goes end up.

Cheers