4Bed Rewire gone bad

Batman2017

Hi all,

I recently contracted an electrician to do a complete rewire on my house. We went on holiday whilst the work was undertaken and was told all would be complete before we returned home. We were told it was complete the day before returning home.

It would be impossible to list everything here but its safe to say we returned home to a complete disaster. Water pipes leaking after being drilled through, lots of work not even started, work that had been done was shoddy and not safe and not to the configuration we had asked for, no dust sheets used anywhere, babys cot full of dust, items damaged, bathroom tiles damaged, crashed into my wall, you get the picture.

The company owner sent round other electricians, the long and short is that they reported that work was unsafe and they would have it rectified that day.

Two weeks later and we now just waiting on the kitchen, kitchen lighting, security lights and safety certificate. We have agreed a date for the kitchen rewire to be done which is the day our kitchen is removed, this is next week. The company owner has now asked for another payment which is on top of the deposit we paid initially. If we pay this then thats 90% of the total price paid.

I have reservations as I dont want to be taken for a mug but if I get onto this electricians bad side then if he drops the job of leaves me in the lurch i will have a kitchen that cannot be fitted as the electrics are not ready for the kitchen fitter.

A bit of advice on how to proceed would be appreciated.

Batman2017

Also to note, the company owner said the electrician had been employed by him for two months, has now been sacked and arrested for stealing 12k worth of company equipment and is apparently a coke head. The company owner said my experience was not there usual standard and his only crime was giving this guy a chance. That still doesnt make up for the hell that my family had to go through for 4 days.

I must admit i was expecting him to put right the work and apply a discount on top of the original price or am i just being unrealistic?

Batman2017

and he has asked via text message. I thought a phone call would of been more appropriate considering what we have been through

GDB2222

You need to ask for a discount. You should have moved into an hotel while the rectification work was done, but as you didn't all you can do is suggest say 20% discount.

kazwookie

Start putting things in writing to him.

1, list what was agreed
2, list what is wrong
3, include photos
4, tell him what you will accept, ie 20% off etc
5, do NOT pay any more money at this point.
6, do you have a written contract? what does it say about standard of work / time of work etc.
7, ask him to come round and discuss the matter, do not send text and such like, as this is a business transaction, and sounds like it is going to cost you £££

Heedtheadvice

Can be a difficult situation when things go wrong. You certainly, from what you write, have a job that could not be considered satisfactory in terms of workmanship and care of your property .


Do you have a written contract or detailed quotation that cover what was agreed in terms of the work to be done and the times cales? How much of what you expect is just word of mouth or informal comment?


Do you have evidence of the before and after condition of your property and have you recorded all the problems and subsequent promises?


Now none of that will help you with your immediate issues. However if there is a longer term problem it could be useful in argueing your case.


One can also feel a certain sympathy for the company that one of their employees has been so poor but they are still responsible for completing the work to contract, to standards and in accordance with the professional body of which they are a member....they have membership do they not? Also it might be expected a new employee be monitored (or at least his work progress) especially if the employee had sole responsibility for the work!



It must be tempting to blow your top but at this stage that might not be productive. It could be best to arrange a meeting with your company to make sure they appreciate all your concerns, see what they propose to rectify as best they can and how they will recompense you for the late completion and the damage. The latter may involve their insurers. Record what you agree (work completion, rectification, time scales , financial adjustments etc.) and make sure they are given a copy.


You probably do not know how financially viable their business is, they may need the stage payment (especially if a small business) and you are obliged to pay if they have properly completed that work documented in the contract. It sounds like they may not have done so? However paying up would give you less leverage and you might be able to prevaricate a bit?


All this is just my opinion and what happens next depends upon their response and your agreement. Trace bodies and law may be able to help you in the longer term.....


Edit: more or less in line with kaz above. I do not see how we can put a percentage value on any 'discount' that is acceptable to you though one would seem in order!

Batman2017

Update: as I got home from work my phone rang, it was a lady from the office I’ve never spoken to basically asking the same thing. I don’t think she felt to comfortable asking me tbh and I replied that I was happy to pay once all the work was done and signed off and she said she would put that to him. Seemed a bit cowardly not calling himself.

My problem is I’m just so reliant now on him not letting me down next week. In terms of discount I guess I can still ask, I have photos, videos and lists of everything that went wrong