Terminating builders contract

phil24_7

Summer_Dreams wrote: »

Thanks. I haven't had any quotes yet to finish the work despite new builders promising it, but I really don't think it will cost what I owe him to finish it, hence I'm happy to pay him the difference, or if it were to cost more I wouldn't expect anything back from him, I just don't want any harm to come to my family I'm a single mum with 2 young children!

When I eventually get a quote I was planning on offering him the difference in a letter that should look good in court!

Don't do this in case there are any overruns in the works. Wait until you have them all completed to the standard you would have had from the original job and then send him a cheque for the rest with a covering letter detailing what has happened.

Tothepoint.

Furts wrote: »

With a builder operating in this manner one has to ask if the work has been undertaken to a good standard or has it been bodged?

As a new builder is being considered the undertaken work should be examined by a professional, a report prepared and a schedule of works produced to bring matters to a close. This report can be used if Police become involved, or if matters progress to Court.

The cost of the professional would be met before considering paying the builder any more money.

None know the size, or scope of the works. Nor do we know what payments are involved. Consequently it is not possible to give definitive advice, but engaging a Clerk Of Works would be a satisfactory way forward.

Why would the police be involved in poor workmanship unless there's clear evidence of a fraud?

Summer_Dreams

Thanks for all the advice and just wanted to update.

I finally had a builders quote, a bit pricey but all I could get! I figured out the balance and wrote him a letter offering him the balance of 1700 cash( plus I pay his plumber, electrician, door bill that I found he hasn't paid!) which I know he wouldn't be pleased with such a small amount!
But I didn't send it as the next morning I had the building inspector out as the new builder had a couple of questions!
Turns out there are a few extra things needed to pass I wasn't aware of.
The foundations to my garage/utility room hasn't been checked despite brickwork completed. They need exposing and if not good enough underpinning. Some pipework out the back needs tidying up. And I need the door between the kitchen and garage replacing with a firedoor.
This lot might take up that 1700 excess!!

I've taken on board some of your other advice and got a clerk of works coming out this week. Hopefully they can offer more advice.

But now I'm even more worried for my safety. I was banking on offering the builder an amount to leave me alone to keep him calm! Now I'll be worried he'll break in to my house in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping! Hopefully this threats were as empty as his promises to get the job done!

Also where do I stand if I get friends to do some of the bits and pieces they're capable of? I obviously wouldn't have proper receipts in case it goes to court! But if it ends up costing more than I owe him it's the only way I'll be able to afford to do it and I'd rather get people I know to help than take him to court for the difference!!

phil24_7

I did warn you not to make any offers until the works were complete.

You seem to be on the right track but don't get friends to do work. Once you have reached your budget, get quotes for the rest of the work and this will form the basis of any counter claim. Only then can you finish of the works however you see fit.

Regards
Phil