Builder From Hell, Withold Final Payment>

PuddleMuddle

Hi there
Apologies if I have missed a recent post on this subject.
Basically have had a large extension done, started in March of this year, meant to be a 14-16 week job, Agreed the price with the builder though it was his'team' that would be on site.
Made it sound like everything was in house which was what swung it for us.
Turns out he just employs contractors, so when they started not turning up and he wouldn't take any responsibility things started to sour.
Bifolds (supply + fit) were included in the price along with garage doors. These have never appeared he was always fobbing us off blaming the supplier.

We are now in the situation where it is STILL not finished. we have had to source the doors ourselves as well as the garage doors. We are out of pocket and very angry. The plastering hasn't been completed by them, electrics aren't finished (no outside lights or electrics in the garage which were included in the quote) and they haven't replaced damage to the attic. So my husband has ended up doing a lot of the plastering and fixing the attic as obviously we need to get the place finished and decorated by Christmas.
We have had to make install fees on the doors .
The cheeky git is now saying its not his fault the work wasnt finished and my husband had no right to do the plastering without giving them 'adequate time!' to complete!
He is insisting on final payment of £2500 and we are refusing on the grounds that we have incurred all these extra costs, I have given him a full breakdown and actually we should be chasing him for money!
Who is right here as I really do not want to be this horrible man a single penny.

Thanks so much, all guidance appreciated.

phill99

Don't pay him. You have reasons to withhold money.


You need to send him a bill for costs etc.


He may try a claim in the court and you then counter claim.

PuddleMuddle

Thanks Phil99.
That's kind of what I was hoping to hear to be honest.
Bit worried about whether there are certificates etc he should be issuing which he may withhold? Haven't seen the building inspector for months since the roof went on, I don't know if I should be contacting him or can I assume he was happy and won't need to do any more checks? Thanks again. (He in this case being the building inspector)

George333

PuddleMuddle wrote: »

Thanks Phil99.
That's kind of what I was hoping to hear to be honest.
Bit worried about whether there are certificates etc he should be issuing which he may withhold? Haven't seen the building inspector for months since the roof went on, I don't know if I should be contacting him or can I assume he was happy and won't need to do any more checks? Thanks again. (He in this case being the building inspector)

Building Regs and inspections are your responsibility. They may want to see electric certificates and structural calcs before signing off.

PuddleMuddle

Thanks George. I have the structural calculations so that's good but nothing for the electrics as he didn't finish them. As we need some fitted in the garage + outside anyway hopefully however we get in can test everything and we can get sign off that way then - fingers crossed! Thanks.