Builder not paid supplier. Please help?

Bethwoo

Hi, I'm very new here but would really appreciate some advice. We moved house recently and since there was no storage, we got a bedroom converted into a walk in wardrobe (shelves, drawers etc). They were all built to spec and we were really happy with the result.
On Friday this big bruiser type turned up at my house and asked if we had work done by ********* company. Said yes and he handed us a letter and said we may want to speak to the builder and got back in his car.
The letter basically said that they were the company who supplied, cut and made the stuff for the wardrobe room. Stated that they had not been paid and if WE didn't pay the outstanding amount they were coming back with bailiffs and removing everything. We paid the builder as soon as the job was complete. Spoke to the builder who said he'd sort it out but I just want to know where I stand. Can the supplier enter my home with bailiffs or make a claim against us? Very very worried.

bris

You have no contract with the supplier so ignore them. The bailiffs won't be coming so don't worry about it, they will need to take you to court first before that can happen, but they have no chance what-so-ever of winning so tell them not to bother you again and take it up with the builder.

With so many builders going out of business these days can you image the mayhem if suppliers had these rights.

somethingcorporate

Bethwoo wrote: »

Hi, I'm very new here but would really appreciate some advice. We moved house recently and since there was no storage, we got a bedroom converted into a walk in wardrobe (shelves, drawers etc). They were all built to spec and we were really happy with the result.
On Friday this big bruiser type turned up at my house and asked if we had work done by ********* company. Said yes and he handed us a letter and said we may want to speak to the builder and got back in his car.
The letter basically said that they were the company who supplied, cut and made the stuff for the wardrobe room. Stated that they had not been paid and if WE didn't pay the outstanding amount they were coming back with bailiffs and removing everything. We paid the builder as soon as the job was complete. Spoke to the builder who said he'd sort it out but I just want to know where I stand. Can the supplier enter my home with bailiffs or make a claim against us? Very very worried.

No, you have no contract with the supplier only the builder.

There is very little chance a court would rule against a completely innocent party so I wouldn't worry too much about this.

This is a contractual issue between the supplier and builder and has nothing to do with you.

Fire_Fox

Who are you contracted to, who instructed the supplier, did you have ANYTHING to do with the ordering process, any contact at all with this supplier before now?

No bailiffs cannot enter your home without court authorisation or you inviting them in. If anyone claiming to be a bailiff turns up, lock all the doors and windows, ask them to leave and call the police if needs be saying that you are being harassed/ threatened/ intimidated. Do not even leave the front door ajar whilst you fetch a pen or copy of the receipt say, do not sign ANYTHING under any circumstances whatever they claim.

Bethwoo

Thank you ever so much. Really grateful, thanks

dacouch

I's be tempted to send them a letter by recorded delivery withdrawing permission for them to enter your property or grounds and that it applies to any of their associates.

paddedjohn

Dont suppliers put a clause on their invoices stating that they still own the property until they have been paid in full? i know some by me do.

visidigi

paddedjohn wrote: »

Dont suppliers put a clause on their invoices stating that they still own the property until they have been paid in full? i know some by me do.

Yes, but that applies to the person who 'buys' the goods from the supplier. That buyer is the builder in this circumstance, not the end user.

pinkshoes

I think I'd write to the supplier saying that your contract was with the builder, and you paid the builder in full for the work that was carried out. I'd even attach a copy of the receipt showing you've paid. I'd then say that their contract is also with the builder, and NOT with you, so they have no right to chase you for any money, and you shall not hesitate to call the police should they trespass on your property. Suggest to them that they need to take the builder to court.

Their tactics are disgusting! I know they want their money, but threatening innocent people isn't the way to go!

bod1467

Am I the only one to think the supplier and builder may be colluding here, to try and fleece the customer twice?

DevCoder

Whilst they might have said the goods belong to the supplier/builder until paid for, they cannot legally just march in and start ripping stuff out.