Can a contractor dismantle work if I don't pay?

hollydays

hawkerneedshelp wrote: »

I've just realised that I've worded my post poorly. We are planning - and have communicated to them in writing - that we will pay them a figure for the labour they have done, but this figure will be minus the cost of putting their work right. We have been advised to do this. They have disregarded this completely and said they are coming back as planned.

If you've been advised, presumably you could have got advice there rather than ask the question here. I don't understand.


Keep your communications with them brief and in writing.

hawkerneedshelp

Hi Mojisola,

Yes I agree that would be the case. Thinking about it, it might be worth clarifying with them exactly what they intend to do when they come back.

I agree, but this what they have said and I do genuinely believe that they will come back and do it.

We will be at the property and yes we will call the police if necessary.

hawkerneedshelp

Hi hollydays,

You are correct and I wouldn't be here at all if that was the case. However the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline is not open over the weekend and we have had further development since we spoke to them last. At present it is a civil matter and not something the police would help with. It does however have the potential to develop into a criminal matter hence my post.

SHAFT

hawkerneedshelp wrote: »

Hi hollydays,

You are correct and I wouldn't be here at all if that was the case. However the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline is not open over the weekend and we have had further development since we spoke to them last. At present it is a civil matter and not something the police would help with. It does however have the potential to develop into a criminal matter hence my post.

What were the exact words used when the threatened to rip it up?

rach_k

Could you keep a straight face while thanking them for their kind offer to come and undo all of the work? Having everything neatly stacked to the side will make everything so much easier for your next contractors.

If they think you'd prefer them to do it, they might not be so bothered. And, of course, call the Police if they turn up and start breaking things.

Matty36

Mojisola wrote: »

They could undo the work they have done as long as they don't damage the materials - so they could lift a patio and leave the slabs stacked in your garden or take down a fence.

It's a bit pointless for them to spend more time on a job that they aren't getting paid for but it might be the 'principle' - once people start thinking like that, they don't always act reasonably.

Try not to leave the house empty and be ready to call the police if they turn up.

They would first have to break through a locked gate and trespass on the OP's property. So, no. They cannot undo any of the work they have done. They're not exactly going to go to the trouble of breaking in, gently dismantle everything into a tidy pile and leave. If they were going to break in, they would rip everything up leaving a mess behind them

@OP don't pay them a dime regardless of what they say or try to do

Mojisola

Matty36 wrote: »

They would first have to break through a locked gate and trespass on the OP's property. So, no. They cannot undo any of the work they have done. They're not exactly going to go to the trouble of breaking in, gently dismantle everything into a tidy pile and leave. If they were going to break in, they would rip everything up leaving a mess behind them

They could climb over it. They would be trespassing but that's just a civil offence.

wesleyad

Whilst its not yet a police matter, you can put on record at your local shop that you have had a threat made to your property that you believe is genuine. That then helps if you do need to call them out.

I would get somone in to remedy it, and offer the difference from original quote (if any). So if they wanted £4k and it cost 3k to remedy you offer 1k. If they don't like that tell them to use the courts.

brewthebear

Can you tell us how the work is not up to standard and what needs to be done to put it right ?

SHAFT

wesleyad wrote: »

Whilst its not yet a police matter, you can put on record at your local shop that you have had a threat made to your property that you believe is genuine. That then helps if you do need to call them out.

I would get somone in to remedy it, and offer the difference from original quote (if any). So if they wanted £4k and it cost 3k to remedy you offer 1k. If they don't like that tell them to use the courts.

It'll make no difference when he calls them, the only time it'll be worth calling them before hand is if they've actually committed an offence.