Advice on conservatory issues

beaker141

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

If the OP's measurements are correct then the conservatory is going to be 19% smaller than contracted. That would have me stopping the works, and any payments, until that was resolved.


As for the other stuff, well building is messy work and ground works particularly so. They are a nuisance but getting only 4/5ths of what I'd paid for is the thing to address.

I agree. Have the company explained why its a different dimension to what you purchased?

Cllb

Thank you so Much everyone, I hope I can reply properly!

The finial designs we asked for are noted on the purchase agreement. The tie bar is not. However it's presence or absence is not an option that the salesman had to fill in, if that makes sense.

I am concerned about withholding this late payment because it is technically due as the framework HAS been started.

The reduced size of the structure is something I have raised before and they haven't addressed at all. I have those emails still. Because we were having other issues and they were being very bad at replying, it sort of got forgotten aboutat that time until all these new issues arose.

They are very quick to keep asking if I've paid this invoice but my emails or phone call all need chasing several times before I get a reply.

They are a medium sized 'local' company in the south east. We used them on recommendation as they were not the lowest quote.

Based on your replies, I'm wondering if I should hold fire until the installer returns tomorrow to do more work and, hopefully, address some of these issues. Then, I think I might email them to re-refer to my current concerns and the main issue of the size. and inform them that I have stopped the proceeding of the invoice until we can come to an agreement on how we can be recompensed for the loss of square footage in our structure. Does that sound reasonable?

jakemillspaek

Put all your grievances in writing now before you receive the invoice.
Make it absolutely clear regarding size and ask what their proposals are to continue/rectify.
Don't make a point of final making good and damage repair.
Depending on their reply action accordingly.

SuzieSue

Cllb wrote: »

Based on your replies, I'm wondering if I should hold fire until the installer returns tomorrow to do more work and, hopefully, address some of these issues. Then, I think I might email them to re-refer to my current concerns and the main issue of the size. and inform them that I have stopped the proceeding of the invoice until we can come to an agreement on how we can be recompensed for the loss of square footage in our structure. Does that sound reasonable?

Yes, this sounds reasonable but I would also contact Trading Standards so that you know you rights.

Cllb

jakemillspaek wrote: »

Put all your grievances in writing now before you receive the invoice.
Make it absolutely clear regarding size and ask what their proposals are to continue/rectify.
Don't make a point of final making good and damage repair.
Depending on their reply action accordingly.

They handed me the invoice (AND emailed a copy) as soon as they arrived to install the frame!

fezster

I can't believe any issue is more of a priority to address than the drastically reduced size of the conservatory itself! That is surely the priority, and no work should continue until they resolve it to your satisfaction. I think you need to engage them in conversation about this and make it clear you will not be paying any further money until they either fix it or reduce the cost appropriately.

Personally, I would not be happy about accepting money off. You don't build a conservatory every day, and you will have to live with this for a very long time. I would ask them to provide what was specified, even if that means tearing the whole thing down and starting again. I'm afraid you may be in for a battle, but the company is going to have to resolve this at their own cost.

DRP

Just to be clear, are you measuring the dimensions internally or externally?

(and which of those does your quote refer to? usually external i'd imagine).


You do need an explanation about the size difference - ASAP.

Silver-Surfer_2

SuzieSue wrote: »

They sound like a bunch of cowboys. Do not pay them a penny more until you have spoken to Trading Standards.

I wouldn't want them going near my property again. I had a conservatory built a few years ago and everything was perfect.

Perhaps you could tell the op how they can speak to Trading Standards without first being referred by Citezens Advice.

Furts

Cllb wrote: »

Hi. Yes, we have a purchase agreement. It lists the fittings as well as the specified size.
However it also ties us into the payment schedule, which is approximately as follows (can't remember exact figures):
Deposit ~£4500
First payment upon completion of base works ~£5500
2nd payment upon commencement of frame installation ~£5500
Final payment upon completion ~£1300

The 2nd payment is now due as the frame was erected yesterday. But we are concerned about paying this large amount and leaving ourselves with little bargaining power with the remaining £1300 if the other issues are not rectified (obviously the smaller size cannot be corrected)

Cutting through everything the crux is in this. £16800 is a lot to pay for a conservatory, and there are some very meaty profits being made. Do not pay the £5500 until you have satisfaction on all your concerns.

Arrange a meeting at your home with the most senior person in the company, prepare a list of concerns, go through these as a meeting agenda, have an independent witness present (properley introduced, so nothing underhand), make it clear you will be taking minutes, then submit these back to the company.

If you are out of your comfort zone then network to get somebody suitable - a local councillor would be a good choice, and also as a witness.

This will show you mean business, and if matters notch up to a dispute you have shown an excellent track record. A judge would be impressed, and I suspect the local conservatory company will not want matters to go that far.

Be assured your experiences with your conservatory are not unusual, so stay your ground and be firm.

SuzieSue

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

Perhaps you could tell the op how they can speak to Trading Standards without first being referred by Citezens Advice.

What is wrong with being referred by Citizens Advice? They probably act as a screening service which is a good thing.