Am I a moron? Bathroom Fitting (a bit long)

cjoxford

I have been planning a bathroom refit (complete works) since December. I finally found a decent fitter (seemingly) and everything I needed in the way of supplies. I took a day off to take delivery of everything and of course out of 5 deliveries only 1 came correctly (well done homesupply.co.uk - rubbish victoriaplum, walls and floors, and johnsons). My fitter was due to start on Monday 25th July (I had paid him a £1000 deposit (remainder of £1500 on completion) but he didn't turn up. I called him and no answer. He called me and told me his dad had gone to hospital so he wouldn't be coming. Of course I didn't mind. Told me he would come on Tuesday to get keys etc. Tuesday night didn't call and didn't come. Couldn't get hold of him until Thursday. Unfortunately his Dad had died. Of course I was very sympathetic and told him to take the time he needed and just let me know how he wanted to proceed. He told me he wanted to get on with the work and would come sunday evening for keys. Didn't call and didn't come. I called him and he said he would come Monday eve. Didn't call and didn't come. I rang him and he said he would start Wednesday. Of course he didn't. He finally came to collect the keys on thursday morning before I went to work. He said he would go and collect his tools and then get going. He didn't come to the house Thurs, fri or dat. I couldn't get hold of him until yesterday when he said that he had been in hospital with stress/exhaustion. Why he didn't send a message I don't know. He said he would start this morning. Of course I just got home and he hasn't been. Tried to ring him and it's straight to answerphone.

Please can I have an independant judgment of whether I am being taken for a ride. Can anyone in the profession restore my belief that this is all plausible and I should just chill out? I feel very down about it and I want to belive him but doubts are creeping in. Am I being a moron.

Many thanks in advance

Nile

Hello cjoxford

I'll move your thread to 'The (Consumer) Vent' board, where it should get more views and responses.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Regards

Nile

C_Ronaldo

I think your being taken for a ride but then its possible that the guy is telling the truth so i dont knw

looby75

sounds like a classic case of "being taken for a ride"

Sorry.

Contact your local trading standards and ask if they have heard of the co you are dealing with. How did you pay the £1000 deposit?

cjoxford

I think you've confirmed my fears. The deposit was paid by balance transfer and so I have record of it having being paid. Good idea to contact Trading Standards.

Arghhhh - I hate people who are dishonest:mad:

barvid

Even if you aren't being taken for a ride, I think this is unacceptable. Don't stand for it.

nifferwilko

Personally I'd never pay anyone a deposit. If they are legit then they should have accounts with suppliers to get parts needed. From the sounds of it, you were supplying the big things (suite, flooring, tiles etc) so, gut instinct, you're being taken for a ride. Where did you get this guy's name from? Was he recommended? Did you take up references before paying such a huge deposit?
Hopefully for you, it is just bad luck, and I hope you don't lose your £1000. But promise you'll never pay a deposit again!!!

nzmegs

My husband is a kitchen/bathroom fitter and gets a 10% dep on the first day of work for misc items. he would never muck someone around like this. Even when my mum died recently he took some time off to be with me but absolutely told everyone of the situation and time scales. I would suggest changing your locks and getting in small claims.

cjoxford

Thank you every one for your responses - it feels better to know what you all think. I was doubting myself because I thought I was being a mercenary b*tch not caring about his dad/him being ill (if he actually is!) etc. I just hate the fact that he is not being up front. Right - small claims ahead... thanks again.

EliteHeat

Just my little bit. It does sound like you have been had, so best of luck in getting your money back.

I also always ask for a deposit in advance of the work commencing - usually 40% of the total bill. I however, always supply the materials. I also supply a complete specification of the works and terms & conditions that cover every eventuality, which are designed to protect both me and my customers. In addition, I always provide contact details for my last ten customers, so any prospective customers can enquire about the quality of my work and my personal reliabilty before engaging me for their project.

If you are inviting someone into your home in order to do some work, then you must do everything possible to protect yourself. Unfortunately though, unless you are employing a family member or going for a personal recommendation, this is easier said than done.

me_eevie

Does this guy still have your keys??