Builders and reliability!

[Deleted User]

Got a builder whos done from work for us in the past. To be fair, he does a good job, and hes a nice guy but hes unreliable. And hes the most disorganised person I've ever seen - he just seems to turn up on a day and then decide what hes going to work on.

Hes a nightmare because he always wants payment part of the way through a job. Trouble is then he loses interest and its hassle to get him back.

He really wound me up this week when I was working away. He txt me to tell me the work would be done by the end of the week, so I do I mind paying him. So wife gave him a cheque before she went out on friday.

Of course, came home, its nowhere near being done. no explanation or anything. Not happy to say the least. If he doesn't show today, that cheque will be stopped.

Thing is we've got a lot of work planned with this fella (inc conservatory). This was just for facias and guttering and its taken over a week and caused this hassle.

Comments?

comeandgo

I would never pay a workman prior to him starting a job. You need to decide if his work is so good that you will put up with the chasing and grief he gives you otherwise after this job find a new builder. I have one who I know can be a bit slow if he has lots of other work but he is the absolute best I know and would use him regardless.

[Deleted User]

comeandgo wrote: »

I would never pay a workman prior to him starting a job. You need to decide if his work is so good that you will put up with the chasing and grief he gives you otherwise after this job find a new builder. I have one who I know can be a bit slow if he has lots of other work but he is the absolute best I know and would use him regardless.

Paid him near the end when he told me he would be finished that day.

notanewuser

You knew what he was like from having used him before. Then you fall into the same trap again. Only yourself to blame in my opinion.

My builder is an absolute diamond. Ultra-reliable, extremely clean and tidy, does what he says he will and always a fabulous job.

noelphobic

notanewuser wrote: »

My builder is an absolute diamond. Ultra-reliable, extremely clean and tidy, does what he says he will and always a fabulous job.

Sounds like the man of my dreams. You're not on Merseyside are you?

notanewuser

noelphobic wrote: »

Sounds like the man of my dreams. You're not on Merseyside are you?

No, sorry!!! South Wales.

SailorSam

When we were getting the garage built i asked around for who knew brickies and these fellas turned up. They had pub breaks; betting shop breaks; hangover breaks, even breaks when they had to go and sign-on. I ended being the labourer for the gang and did most of the work myself. Noelphobic i'm on Merseyside and can definitley tell you some to stay away from.
I find it strange that you often here builders talking about how bad business is but you hear of even more stories about the trouble people have trying to find somewhere that will turn up.