Cancel a driveway

stripeyfox

I'm sure you can cancel the work. Whether or not you can get the deposit back may depend on the terms in which it was paid. - i.e. was it a non refundable deposit. If you cancel over a "change of heart", especially when the expected start date has not passed yet then you might just lose the deposit.

Michael74

There is no mention of the deposit being non-refundable on the quote. Thanks all for the constructive feedback.

Dean000000

Do the regulations you rely upon on the initial post conform to the way in which you paid the deposit?

LilElvis

Michael74 wrote: »

I have paid a deposit to have my front garden dug out and a tarmac driveway provided.

Before the deposit was paid, the firm gave me an initial start date of end of March. Over a week later despite 3 text messages saying they will get back to me with a start date, I have not been given an indication of a start date.

Am I within my rights to have my deposit refunded and walk away? I think I am under The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 and I have 14 days as I was in my home when I text them to say they I have chosen them to do the work and paid them the deposit.

Did you ever visit them at their showroom or offices, because if so it is not a distance sale.

Michael74

No, have never visited the registered office, all visits were from them and conducted on the pavement and garden. No the regulations do not mention how the deposit was paid.

stripeyfox

Perhaps you're being a bit cautious. How much deposit did you pay?

In fairness to the contractors, they've given you an indicative start date of end of March - still at least three weeks away. At this time of year the weather can have a big impact on the amount of work they get done, so I think it reasonable for them to leave it a bit longer before confirming. In my experience of local trades, most of them are much better at their given trade than they are at admin and "customer service". If you were satisfied that they are a legit and reputable firm, then you're probably worrying over nothing

Michael74

10% less than £400.

I appreciate peoples advice, I am a born worrier and I agree, I think I am just having a wobble, I will drink some Camoline Tea and lie in a darkened room, lol.

stripeyfox

Michael74 wrote: »

10% less than £400.

I appreciate peoples advice, I am a born worrier and I agree, I think I am just having a wobble, I will drink some Camoline Tea and lie in a darkened room, lol.

I'm the same mate, worry worry worry!

Dean000000

Michael74 wrote: »

I have not spoken to them yet as I am just exploring all avenues. I don't think for a second they are doing a midnight flit with my cash, I am just loosing confidence in them to provide a service within a time-frame that I find acceptable.

Just circling back to this then...

What is an acceptable time frame for starting?

It was end of March (as agreed) or have you brought this forward in your mind?

What has the contractor committed to so far?

Michael74

Dean000000 wrote: »

Just circling back to this then...

What is an acceptable time frame for starting?

It was end of March (as agreed) or have you brought this forward in your mind?

What has the contractor committed to so far?

An acceptable time to start is roughly when discussed.

I have not attempted to bring the dates forward and despite assurances of "I will text you the date tonight, I promise" I have not got a date. He committed to end of March, yes its 3 weeks away but 3 weeks will soon slip to 5 etc etc

I also have to book the crossover contractor (to happen after the drive has been done) so I am not the only one waiting on the work to be completed.

Again thank you all for the constructive comments, I will park this thread now (get it...!!!) and try to stop worrying.