A Ditherer's Diary (again)

GeorgianaCavendish

Hi Naomi, I'm really glad to see you back and really sorry about what an awful time you've had of it lately. I'm really hoping things get easier for you!

It's great that you've had a frank discussion with MrM about outgoings and the switch to vaping should be better financially and health-wise so that's good Are the bus lane fines cheaper if you pay within a certain amount of time? We got a parking fine the other day and it always feels like a kick in the teeth

I totally understand that you don't want to feel as though you are going backwards in your debt free journey with the car, but honestly if you really can't do without two cars then I think the best thing is to bite the bullet and pay for it on credit card. Yes it means you'll have to adjust your totals and debt free date but this doesn't mean you'll be in debt forever.

Re: the builders, I really feel for you. Legal action is expensive, even when you are in the right, and sadly the other parties often wait to see if you'll be bothered bringing legal action against them before they do anything. I'd suggest that if you want to go forward, ask your solicitor to send you a costs estimate in advance and keep telling them that you need to keep the costs as low as possible. At least that way you will know what to expect.

On the overdraft front, couldn't you set up a no-overdraft account with your current bank? They might be more forgiving if they can see your salaries going in to another account with them. I don't know whether a bank would be likely to take money from savings accounts to repay an overdraft (especially if you weren't in arrears with your overdraft), but if you are worried would it be feasible to move your savings to a different bank?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you on the job front! xxx

Naomim

So today I popped into the bank and asked for an updated statement. I don't have a printer at home. The lady was lovely and obviously mentioned the overdraft. I explained about the builders and we're hoping to try and sue and get some money back but she said I could come in and have a free financial review, either on my own or with MrM. So I may book myself in.

I transferred £13 from Quidco to my bank account too. I think I have about £50 in my paypal so I'll check and transfer that over too.

On Saturday I'm volunteering at a Children's Nearly New Sale in aid of Cancer Research. I've emptied the garage of my 7 year old's toys that were put in there before the building work started. I've sorted out two boxes of toys to get rid of and a bin liner full of old rubbish. It's been a revelation for her and she's spent the afternoon happily playing with things she'd long forgotten about. After the sale Cancer Research keep 20% but I'll be happy to make a bit of money from the sale of our stuff.

I also found a box of the dog's toys so I've popped all his soft toys into the washing machine for a spruce up. He's also happy to be reunited, especially with his bunny :D

So now my house does look like a complete bombsite as I've run out of energy to do anymore. Tomorrow night I need to label all the things I want to sell. I'm in for a long one!

Naomi x

GeorgianaCavendish

A financial review appointment at the bank sounds like a good idea, they might be able to suggest some options that haven't been advertised.

I think I am a bit like your 7 year old, whenever I do a clear out I end up rediscovering clothes that I haven't worn for ages and having a bit of a dress up session I totally sympathise with you over the bombsite house though, it takes so much energy to get everything out that I never feel like doing the next bit and tidying it all away

Naomim

very quickly.. had a response from the builder. Apparently he's applying for bankruptcy so we wont see a penny.

I know it sounds awful to say I'm pleased he's going to have years of financial difficulty when so many people on this site are in the same position. But, he left us with a house that was practically unlivable, financially we are ruined and my husband has been on anti-depressants and sleeping tablets. We've no way near had it easy.

kirtsypoos

Hi Naomi,

I've been reading your diary since the first post but I have a memory like a sieve so please excuse me if you've already mentioned this, but if the work is sub standard can you not claim against his insurance rather than direct to him?

I'm sure this has already been addressed by you but I'm reading and running on a 20 minute lunch break so just wanted to mention it in case that is a route you can go down.

GeorgianaCavendish

Oh Naomi, I'm gutted for you! I hope as Kirsty says you might be able to claim against his insurance.
I know you probably don't want to run up more solicitors costs but have you tried Citizens Advice? Or maybe one of the boards on this site could help?

ada-or-ardor

Citizens advice is a really good shout. Was he accredited with any of the governing bodies (don't know what kind of trade he was in, but I'm thinking Federation of Master Builders for normal building work, Niceic for electrics etc). I'm sure you've explored all avenues... But I just feel so angry on your behalf. I really hope karma works it's magic and you get some kind of recompense for the pain.

B*stard!!

Ada

Naomim

Our solicitor asked if he was registered with any trade bodies, he was with NICEIC for the electrics but they are as much use as a chocolate teapot! We tried putting in a complaint with them but they aren't interested at all. He's not/wasn't insured.

I've had some fantastic help on one of the other forums on this board about the builder and pursuing the case. Sadly the general consensus is that we will have to let it go.

More to post later but lunch break is over for now.

Naomi x

paulcol

Hi Naomi - Do you have details of the builder's company name / postcode etc?

NICEIC can investigate if the electrical work is sub-standard and left dangerously - even if he/she has gone out of business.

Happy to help if i can. Email me at paul.s.collins@certsure.com

Naomim

Thanks Paul,

We had an electrician in to re-wire and he wrote a report. We took photo's. NICEIC said that because we have had someone else in and didn't ask the builder to return and put the work right, their hands are tied. My husband was dealing with it so I've just messaged him again to see if there was any movement.

N