F220 Contract - Advice/help needed!!

jonnydarcy

Hi,
I'm currently pursuing some window work on my house with tradesman (Construction Industry Scheme - Subcontractor Registration - Sole Trader). The cost looks to be around £8-9k.

The gentleman in question has a slightly dubious business past and so I am treading carefully. I realise that walking away is the easiest option when there are doubts but for other reasons I'm pursuing this for now.

He's initally asked for a deposit up front for the materials (new sash windows). This was roughly £4k which I believe to be a fair price for 10 new sashes with double glazed units. I responded that I was not happy with this deposit and after negotiation he's agreed that we only pay £1k up front and the rest upon completion of the job. He's keen to use an F220 domestic contract which would appear the right thing to do.

My questions are;

1) How solid is this F220 and should things go wrong, how easy would it be to seek resolution via the contract? I suppose I'm saying, is the contract worth the paper it's printed on?

2) Is a £1k deposit reasonable or should I insist on £0 and maintain that if I don't pay then he can use the F220 to take me to court (rather than the other way round)?

3) Is there anything I should specifically include on that contract to cover myself even more?


I'd really appreciate a swift response as time isn't on my side.

All help/advice, hugely appreciated.

Thanks

JD

warmhands.coldheart

jonnydarcy wrote: »

The gentleman in question has a slightly dubious business past

Think this part of your post should answer your question IMHO !!

jonnydarcy

Well 'dubious' in the sense that there is a question mark. Essentially he is in dispute with a client which raises a concern but does not equate to any guilt necessarily.

Anyway, I'll decide whether to proceed in due course. Would just like advice on the other bits for now if possible.

jonnydarcy

No-one out there able to offer any thoughts?

ColinHBH

My questions are;

1) How solid is this F220 and should things go wrong, how easy would it be to seek resolution via the contract? I suppose I'm saying, is the contract worth the paper it's printed on?

Firstly, Go with your gut instinct in relation to your builder.

Secondly, There are two sides to every story if your builder is in dispute. Some customers don't want to pay or will never be happy with the work irrespective of the quality,price, cleanliness or time taken.

Contracts are only as good as the information that the person writing it puts in it.

JCT (Minor Works or Homeowners), Home Build Help and Federation of Master builders all have simple yet effective contracts.

Ensure that the essential information is clearly defined such as;

Name and Address of both parties
How much the work will cost
What work is being done for the price
When you will be paying the builder i.e. weekly, fortnightly or on completion.
How you will be paying
What you will do in the unlikely event of a dispute i.e mediation, adjudication or arbitration.

Communication is the key with your builder.

Mediation, arbitration and adjudication and then ultimately court proceedings are all costly, time consuming and stressful but will provide definitive conclusion not always in your favour though!



2) Is a £1k deposit reasonable or should I insist on £0 and maintain that if I don't pay then he can use the F220 to take me to court (rather than the other way round)?

Asking for a deposit when there is an outlay for the builder is not unreasonable. Why should they bankroll your job. Just ensure you get a reciept or something in writing to confirm that they have received the money and ordered the materials. Up to 25% is reasonable.

3) Is there anything I should specifically include on that contract to cover myself even more?

As much detail as possible. Its that simple.

nickj_2

warmhands.coldheart wrote: »

Think this part of your post should answer your question IMHO !!

if i knew i had the slightest of concerns involving that amount of cash with someone/company with a dubuious past i would give it a very wide berth


you have been warned , there are plenty of reputable firms out there that will do you a good job at a reasonable price .... go find

Leif

warmhands.coldheart wrote: »

Think this part of your post should answer your question IMHO !!

Having dealt with many trades and builders over the last 2 years, I'd tend to agree. There are a lot of cowboys and 'not very good at their job' types around. The OP needs to get some idea of what this person's work is like if they do go with them. It is true there are bad customers out there. Can they supply a list of references with phone numbers? And how does the OP know this trade is in dispute?

macman

If he is truly 'dodgy', then no contract on earth will help you recover your money should it all go belly up.