Dispute with Asbestos Removal Company

Magz100

I am trying to find out what my rights are if any regarding a recent situation. We have not long purchased a new home and have had an asbestos survey carried out. The survey outlined that there was asbestos in the home in a number of areas, but the area that has caused us a problem is is the floor tiles throughout the house.

The survey advised that there was asbestos in both the tiles and the bitumen (adhesive that holds the tiles in place), and the company who completed the survey asked whether we would like quotes as to the removal. I advised that we did, and we were quoted a figure for, and I quote “the removal of all asbestos in the property”. I did some research and got further quotes, one in particular was less expensive and the company had been far more helpful and professional in their responses (herein lies the lesson) however this other company were not licensed to remove a small area of asbestos outside of the property due to the type of asbestos is contained, and as such we thought it would be better to go with one company than to split the works.

Prior to this I asked the original company whether they could give a further breakdown of costs as to what the inside and outside would cost if done separately. They then responded saying from the survey they could see we needed the ceiling, tiles, and external plasterboard done, and gave us costings for each.

When we advised that we had a more favourable quote, and asked whether they would reduce their costs in line with this, they agreed.

They have now ‘finished’ work, however whilst they have removed the tiles, they have left the asbestos containing bitumen. They are now saying that this was never part of the quote, and that to do this they would charge a significant amount more.

My argument is that they completed the survey outlining all the areas that asbestos was present, and provided a quote for the removal of “all” of this, however are now saying because they only said tiles in their last communication that this does not count, even thought it was all part of the same communication.

I feel that as the work took them longer than they initially anticipated, they are now claiming that they have no duty to complete the work in full. They have since said that most people leave the bitumen in place anyway as it is bonded, and that it would require special tools for them to remove.

We have said that we would be willing to pay them what we feel is a reasonable price for the work, minus the cost of what they are now saying they would charge to remove the bitumen, and they are now threatening to take legal action if we do not pay today, after concluding works yesterday.

We have been shouted and sworn at down the phone, and generally treated with utter disrespect and unprofessionalism, and this has all caused me a high level of stress.

I want to know what our rights are if any, and whether it is usual for the bitumen to be left behind exposed and not encapsulated when removing floor tiles.

Sadly all communication with the manager of this company has been like pulling teeth (aside from when he chose to unleash a barrage of insults and swear words at us in anger).

Please help.

pinkshoes

If they did a survey and highlighted ALL areas of asbestos, and their quote stated ALL areas of asbestos to be removed that THEY highlighted, then yes, I would expect them to finish the job.

I would write them a nice letter asking them to complete the job as per the quote, but if they are now unable to finish this, then you will get quotes from other companies then deduct the amount from the total.

DevilsAdvocate1

I agree with Pinkshoes.

ssparks2003

As you had requested a revised quotation you have a contract against this and not the first quote since you had rejected it. So you will need to focus in the second quote. Does this quote define what they have quoted for?