Builder not paid Building Control (BC) Fees

Garry_Nutter

Looking for some advice please on what to-do next.

My builder gave me a quote last year for some building work we wanted, At the time we asked if this included Fees, His reply was yes and I have this in a email.

In March I received a bill from BC saying the fees had not been paid. I emailed him asking what had happened and he said we would pay them when he had some money coming in, Not a unreasonable answer. A month later another letter saying they still have not been paid, So I chased him up again via email and he said "Tried to Pay them but they don't take Card Payments. Only Cheque or Cash" and would pay them next week.
Ok great I thought a few more months have passed and received nothing from BC, So great I thought the Builder has paid them. No this month I receive a final bill and warning of legal Action being taken.


Emailed the builder no answer, So I paid the bill. Now how do I claim the money back from the builder ? I notice the he has changed his trading name. All the builders bills I have received show his personal name on them.

firefox1956

Up the creek without a paddle springs to mind....
Hope is building work is better than his paperwork.

freezspirit

Small claims?

theGrinch

I would be more concerned the work is sound

Ectophile

If the bills have his personal name on, then you would take small claims action against him personally. It doesn't matter what name he trades under now.

Doozergirl

As above, take him personally to small claims using moneyclaim online, using your emails as evidence.

Did they do the inspections and sign off the work?

The bills shouldn't have had your name on them anyway. The other option is to convince BC that it isn't your bill as you didn't make the application.