Help trace a workman

missprice

jord79 wrote: »

Thanks for all the responses.

Replying to his advert selling his van isn't an option because as soon as I ring him, he recognises my voice and hangs up.


The guy has cost me thousands of pounds worth of damage and has still got my door key! I hoped to be able to start the small claims court proceedings today but the money claim online form needs his surname.

Change door locks immediately, it's a cheap way of having some security. A lot you can do yourself no need for locksmith, try YouTube for videos on how to.
If you were burgled anytime in the near future you would have to declare this trader has a key and that could invalidate your insurance.

As for the advert selling his van, ask a friend to do it for you.

shaun_from_Africa

Apart from changing your locks, I would also suggest the following:
If you've not already done so, have a very good check of all valuables you have to make sure that they are still there,
If you have any log in details for online accounts of any description written down anywhere in the house, change these immediately,
And sign up to a credit reference agency such as Experian and keep a watch out for any strange credit applications or checks.

Giving free access of your house to a trusted friend is one thing but to a complete stranger, someone whose full name and address you don't even know?

jord79

Someone was in the house while we was away, my son. However my son doesn't know the correct way of fitting a bathroom etc.
Yes he had been paid. I had left payment with my son and the payment was handed over to the tradesman.
I didn't explain in full because my focus is on finding out his surname.
When I say he left a mess I mean the following:
A leak from a pipe he fitted caused my living room ceiling to collapse.
During the fitting process he damaged furnishings.
Work he carried out has since fallen off the wall (tiling).
The underfloor heating he fitted doesn't work
etc etc

jord79

Just read through my replies, for those that mentioned asking a friend to go look at his van for sale, great idea! It is worth a try.

Re holiday. We took our annual holiday because my wife is allergic to dust. The house wasn't empty. I have a son who lives with me and his GF. A key was given to the fitter because we keep our front door looked because most days my son is in the back garage working. For those times when my son wouldn't here him arrive, he was given the key so he could get cracked on without waiting for my son. It isn't a case that I have handed a key over for an empty house.
I haven't gone in to detail because that is for the small claims court. To proceed I need a surname.
Gardner_1 Do you know how the dvla Swansea thing works please?

What do I intend to claim? I intend to claim for damaged furnishings & the cost to correct his work.

poppellerant

Post what information you have on the person here and I'm sure we'll be able to help you.

jord79

He has been paid.

In return I have damaged furnishings and tiled over underfloor heating which isn't working.

Have had to pay to have my living room ceiling replastered and skimmed + Painted. Pay to have my locks changed and pay to pull out a bath which was leaking.

I am currently living with 40% of the tiles from both the floor & walls which have come away. The shower can't be used because it doesn't work. The toilet spits out water when flushed. The radiator was fitted but doesn't work.

Annie1960

jord79 wrote: »

Thanks for all the responses.

Replying to his advert selling his van isn't an option because as soon as I ring him, he recognises my voice and hangs up.
Checking the electoral roll is my next option.

So far I have:
Contacted Gumtree & Yell and both refused to give me his surname because of data protection. Both are able to give it to law enforcement but the police have told me it isn't something they can help me with.

Using his business name and telephone number from Yell, I was able to search Google. It took me to a facebook page which has actually been removed. He must have deleted the business page.

I replied to his ad on Gumtree when I was looking for a bathroom fitter and he only ever told me his first name.

His address on Google appears to be a rented flat via rightmove. I am guessing they wouldn't give me his surname either.

The guy has cost me thousands of pounds worth of damage and has still got my door key! I hoped to be able to start the small claims court proceedings today but the money claim online form needs his surname.

You can't just start the moneyclaims online process. There is a preliminary process you need to go through first.

In your situation, check:

1. your house/car insurance policies. Is there legal cover included in these? If so, get legal advice.

2. If not, phone the Citizens' Advice Consumer helpline. Google the number. They will explain the procedure to you.

As you say, first of all you need his surname.

If people like this were required to be licensed and on a register, you would have access to his full details. Unfortunately there is little regulation so people like him can get away with it.

You will find some people on this thread blaming you as the consumer for this problem. Try to ignore them, anyone who supports such cowboys is just as bad themselves.

Good luck with your case.

George_Michael

Annie1960 wrote: »

You will find some people on this thread blaming you as the consumer for this problem. Try to ignore them, anyone who supports such cowboys is just as bad themselves.

I don't think that anyone has blamed the OP for their situation nor has anyone voiced their support the builder concerned but what some people have stated is that when entering into a contract with someone, it is only common sense to ensure that you are fully aware of exactly who it is you are contracting with.

Giving money for work and a key to your house to someone who is basically an unknown and untraceable person is far from sensible.

MEM62

Speak to a few local bathroom suppliers / installers. I have no doubt he will be 'known'. It's a very small community.

jord79

Ok.

I have spoken with Gumtree where he advertises but they can not give me his surname.
I have spoken with Yell.com where his ad is and they can not give me his surname.
I copied and pasted his address from Yell into Google and it took me to the estate agent where he rents his flat. They can not give me his surname.
Spoken to the police and they can't assist me because it is deemed 'civil law' which they don't deal with.
On Gumtree he is selling his workvan. I attempted to get his details via the number plate but apparently there is 2 policy holders and on that basis they can't give me further details.
I have sent an email via Gumtree but not yet had a response.
I have purchased a new sim card with credit because he recognizes my number. I hope he will reply when I send him a text message showing interest in purchasing his van.

I feel like I know so much about him but the one thing I need = Surname. I am finding it difficult.