Not happy with painter's job

cathy57

Hi,

I have had problem from day one with a painter.All I wanted was to refresh 2 of the bedrooms.On the first day,I realised he did not use any dust sheets to cover the carpet and left all the mess there.I told him I wasn't pleased with it,therefore he cover the smallest room with some very thin plastic.
Next,the photos below speak for themselves.
Also,he started on a Monday and was supposed to finish on the Wednesday,but on the Thursday afternoon he went to another job and told me he would be back on the Saturday to finish.On Friday,he texted me to say he was in casualty because of a swollen ankle following a fall and would be unable to work for at least a week.He offered to send someone to finish the job quicker,but I need the room ready within a couple of days as someone is moving in.
So I emailed him I was not happy with the standard of his work and that I didn't want him to finish the job as he has plenty of chances to put it right.I also told him to come and pick his paint brushes,tray and Hoover.
I have also paid him just over 55% of the job when he started but now he wants me to pay the full amount even the job is very shoddy.
I refused and he said if I don't pay him,he will undo what he has already done when he comes and picks up his tools.
Could anyone tell me what are my rights please ?
Many thanks.

PS : sorry,I am not able to send pictures,maybe someone can help ?

Doozergirl

Put his tools on the doorstep and send him a message. He won't be coming in.

If he hasn't finished the job, don't pay for it.

Where did you find him and how much were you paying?

phill99

As above. Leave his tools outside and don't let him in. Don't pay him the remainder.

cathy57

Thank you both for your reply.The total job was £550 and he was recommended to me by an acquaintance. I have already packed his tools and had to have the door locks changed as he has a set of keys.I will leave his tools outside although I worry a bit about doing that,in case he turns nasty or tells me his tools have been stolen !

Doozergirl

Better than him coming in. He's brought that upon himself by threatening you.

cathy57

Also,He hasn't finished the job because I don't want him to as he is not only behind schedule but also because of his shoddy work.

Icecannon

What was the £550 to do? Just paint, or strip the walls etc, did he have to move stuff?

Never paid anyone to paint for me but that seems steep for just painting 2 rooms.

cathy57

It was to repaint the walls and the woodwork (skirting,wardrobe doors in one room and picture rails.No wardrobe in box room).I thought the price was about right and would have happily paid the total amount should he have done the job properly.
This is what is said in his last message :
"Unfortunately if you read the contract im in my rights.
if you look up builder rights any work completed unless stated finish in the contract I'm totally in my rights to undo any work I have not been paid for.
I'm coming to collect my tools and the final payment tomorrow."
How can he be in his rights if he hasn't completed the job,done a poor and keep changing the finishing date ?

scd3scd4

If you are not happy with the work then I would think its a civil matter.

If he gave you a time frame and can not keep to it then he has broken the contract and that's that. He has been paid over half which is reasonable. You don't have to care about he's health or other commitments.

Tell him he wont be coming in and if he does not leave straight away after collecting he's tools the Police will be called.


He cannot quote a contract while breaking it himself. He is not out of pocket. Just say NO. You are welcome to take me to court and then ignore him.




"Unfortunately if you read the contract im in my rights.
if you look up builder rights any work completed unless stated finish in the contract I'm totally in my rights to undo any work I have not been paid for.
I'm coming to collect my tools and the final payment tomorrow."


What a load of old rot. He HAS BEEN paid for what he did........badly. He is a chancer.

Silvertabby

I'm totally in my rights to undo any work I have not been paid for.

So, he's saying that he expects you to let him into your house so he can scrape the paint off the walls? I don't think so !

cathy57

Thank you all for your replies.I have to work early and finish quite late everyday,therefore I will leave his stuff in the front garden for him to pick up as advised by Doozer Girl and Phill 99 earlier, today,unless someone here advises against it.