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Had enough of unreliable builders!!

unstoppable6t2
unstoppable6t2 Posts: 45 Forumite
Ninth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
Morning All

Please pardon me for my rant. 

I've just about had enough with builders letting me down.

I bought my first flat in July needing home improvement (kitchen and bathrooms) and I've nothing but trouble from builders. I have got quotes from 10+ builders most either just waste your time or are using their current strong position in the market to quote ridiculous prices. On 1 occasion the builder agreed the price but nearer the time wanted more money saying he "forgot" to add to price despite everything being agreed in writing and verbally. After that I agreed with another builder who was supposed to turn up yesterday but he stopped answering my calls a few days ago and surprise surprise he hasn't turned up. I can only imagine that I was his backup job. He was lovely and seemed so trustworthy but obviously had a hidden agenda.

What is wrong with the builder community??

I'm just wondering if others are also experiencing similar issues out there or is it just me??

Thanks. 

Comments

  • comeandgo
    comeandgo Posts: 5,852 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I’m really surprised you got over ten to give you quotes.  Why did you think you needed so many, and no, I’ve never had problems with any trades men.  Answer is you have them in the family.
  • Section62
    Section62 Posts: 8,719 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper

    After that I agreed with another builder who was supposed to turn up yesterday but he stopped answering my calls a few days ago and surprise surprise he hasn't turned up. I can only imagine that I was his backup job. He was lovely and seemed so trustworthy but obviously had a hidden agenda.


    What did you agree with them?  It would be unusual for a builder to start a (non-emergency) project on a Sunday....
  • NSG666
    NSG666 Posts: 981 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    If you've had 10+ quotes then it might be your selection criteria / process or the way you are planning to do the job that does not appeal.
    Sorry I can't think of anything profound, clever or witty to write here.
  • TELLIT01
    TELLIT01 Posts: 17,508 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper PPI Party Pooper
    Many good builders are simply swamped with work and will provide ridiculous quotes rather than simply decline to quote.  Others simply don't manage the paperwork side of things well and lose track of what they have agreed to do.  Not good for the potential customer.  I had a situation where I couldn't get a response to e-mails, text or voice messages after accepting a quote.  I was about to look elsewhere when he finally called to say he had been overloaded due to bad weather earlier in the year making him play catchup and working 12 hours days and longer.  When he finally did do the job, it was high quality so worth the aggro.
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