Trader and Police trouble

julesemma

We got a quote for a full new roof, agreed the quote. We had the chimney pointed before the roofer came. My husband got the lead round the chimney seperately, in the end as he could get it cheaper than the roofer.
When completed we asked for the final bill, as we had had some extra trays. But he hadn’t taken the lead off, he said no the original quote was without the lead. We bank transferred the money with the extra trays as well but took off what we paid for the lead on the Monday on the Friday I came home and roofer was parked on my drive and was removing all the edgings and putting in his van. I parked in front of him and phoned the Police they came straight away. I explained what was happening and was told it was a civil matter but they would wait while I spoke to roofer.
He refused to put them back and asked Police if he could go. They said yes and told me that I needed to move my vehicle as I was causing an obstruction. Which I did.

We brought New edgings to finish roof and make it waterproof. We complained to the Police as they did not take any action, and they have now told us that they have spoken with roofer but he denies theft so that’s it. They didn’t even take a statement off of us or take any proof that we had paid. We are still arguing with them over trespass, criminal damage and theft.

Where do we stand, and how can we get it resolved?

Sorry so long.

neilmcl

As the police stated it's a civil matter, you'll need to deal with in the small claims courts.

AndyMc.....

What are the edgings and who provided them?

bris

In England it's a civil matter, good title doesn't pass to the purchaser until paid in full. The roofer has taken back his unpaid for goods. That's his side of it so the police will let you fight it out in court.


In Scotland this would go the other way. Once the job was done then the roofer taking them back is a criminal offence. He is the one who would have to go to court to get paid.

NotRichAtAll

But he had'nt taken the lead off, he said no the original quote was without the lead

We bank transferred the money with the extra trays as well but took off what we paid for the lead

So you decided to deduct money from the bill without chatting to the roofer?

arcon5

So the original quote was without the lead then you deducted the cost of the lead of that quote?

robatwork

julesemma wrote: »

When completed we asked for the final bill, as we had had some extra trays. But he hadn!!!8217;t taken the lead off, he said no the original quote was without the lead. We bank transferred the money with the extra trays as well but took off what we paid for the lead on the Monday

This is where you went wrong. You can't just take money off the bill. You needed to get this agreed with the roofer first and got him to issue a new invoice.

You're now in a simple dispute and will need someone to adjudicate on the facts. As has been said, that will mean you need to start court action.

I think the crucial evidence will be your original bill or work and quote. Does it mention the lead? Also was the cost of the "extra trays" whatever they are documented in an additional quote?

Lavendyr

Yes as others have said, you don't just go and buy something and then deduct the cost from the quote/invoice. You discuss this with the contractor first! Why on earth didn't you speak to them before doing this?