Issues with building work. Builder not returning calls/emails/voicemails

Ian_875

Firstly apologies if this is in the wrong subforum

I'll keep this as short as possible

• We paid for building work to be done, which it has been and we've now settled the bill
• Most correspondence was by telephone, although we have a breakdown of the scope of work prior to its commencing
• We have a receipt showing that the balance was paid and that the work carries a 10 year guarantee. This is on letterheaded paper
• Since finishing the work there are a few things outstanding, chiefly that no keys were provided for UPVC windows and the french door isn't closing reliabily
• The builder is completely ignoring my calls/voicemails/emails
• Calls to the number on the letterheaded paper (a landline as opposed to the mobile number I've used previously) are answered but the person claims to be a secretary who can do nothing but pass my message on. Obviously this also goes unanswered

How do I go about getting the outstanding issues resolved and, perhaps more importantly, getting a reply if and when we ever need to claim under the guarantee.

This was a smallish local firm that carried out the work.

I'm contemplating getting other tradesmen round to put right the work and sending the invoice to the builder that carried out the work. Suspect this isn't legality sound and even if it was I'd expect they'll just ignore it anyway.

Is there a certain amount of time I need to give before doing anything? Do I need to send a letter to the registered address? Will this cost an arm and a leg in legal fees?

All I want is for me doors to be fixed and the windows to lock!

Appreciate any and all help

TELLIT01

Phone again and say that if the problems are not resolved by x date you will be getting other contractors in to do the work and will be billing him for the cost.

Ian_875

TELLIT01 said:

Phone again and say that if the problems are not resolved by x date you will be getting other contractors in to do the work and will be billing him for the cost.

Thanks for the reply. I assume they'd just ignore that as well? Is it best to do this in writing?

In the meantime I've submitted a query with Citizens Advice but I'd expect a delay in replying.

cx6

How did you pay the bill - was any of it (even £1) on credit card.

I would advise getting a quick estimate from someone else to get window keys and also adjust the door - that way you will have a quantifiable figure £x to deal with.

Then write to the builder saying as above - ie if they don't fix it then you will pay someone else £x to do it. Small Claims court to get the money back

Ian_875

It was all bank transfer unfortunately so no protection =/

I've asked for a quote from a local firm to put right the work. At least that gives me a baseline to work towards.