taking someone to court

haras_nosirrah

Hi all

need some advice

We got a driveway person in to do our driveway. He had done a few houses around the area, he had positive reviews on check a trade and the quote was in line with others.

He did about 4 days work and then after we had made the second stage payment to order the block paving he has disappeared. Apparently his niece passed away which I understand to be true however this was 7 weeks ago and we have been left with a hole where our driveway used to be and 6k out of pocket.

Now looking at taking him to court. Has anyone been through the process who can advise on what to do. I am doubtful we will see any money from him. Ideally I want him to come and finish the work but with 5 missed restart dates that is also seeming unlikely at this stage.

jk0

First you have to write to him to give a deadline for completing the work. (Say two weeks.) That if it is not done in that time, you intend to get an alternative tradesman and look to first one to compensate you for any increase in cost.



If that two weeks comes & goes, then you get three quotes in writing for completing the work.


(This will be difficult. You might want to ask the guy you chose if he can get a colleague to give you another quote for slightly more than he quoted.)


Get the work done by the alternative tradesman.


Write to the first tradesman giving two weeks to compensate you.


If still nothing, then you sue.


By the way, by 'write' I mean on paper & envelopes sent by post.

haras_nosirrah

Thanks. Have got 3 tradesman booked round. Have been quoted a further 8.5k to complete the work. Have paid this guy 6k for nothing. Highly doubtful I will get any money back

jk0

Go through the full rigmarole I mentioned if I were you. You don't want him to tell the judge he was going to do the job, but you never told him it was urgent.