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Builder taken deposit but not started work and no longer replying back to my messages

I recently agreed with a local carpenter to build a few bespoke wardrobes for me 3 months ago. I paid him £2k deposit to secure the job with a verbal agreement that the work would start around or just after the new year. I messaged him for an update just after new year and he explained he would start work around mid Feb. All fine so far, but now we are heading towards end of Feb and I have not heard back from him with an update. I have tried calling him and sent him messages just politely asking for an update. He has ignored me so far, I sent him the first message 2 weeks ago. I know he is still active because he has recently replied to another customer (who happens to be my friend), asking for a quote and he has also been advertising on his facebook page. 

I’m unsure what my steps are now? The deposit was paid via bank transfer. Can the bank refund me as it does seem he is acting in a fraudulent manner? 

Comments

  • born_again
    born_again Posts: 24,042 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Sixth Anniversary Name Dropper
    Letter before action & then court.

    Bank will not refund you as Bank transfers do not cover non receipt.
    Life in the slow lane
  • comeandgo
    comeandgo Posts: 5,930 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If he has a Facebook page ask him directly on there .  Others can read it and I’d imagine he will reply.  Why did you give him so much of your money, a decent tradesman does not need a deposit.
  • m0bov
    m0bov Posts: 2,787 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Do you have an address? Is he a sole trader? As above, LBA and then do a moneyclaim.
  • m0bov said:
    Do you have an address? Is he a sole trader? As above, LBA and then do a moneyclaim.
    Yes I do have an address and I believe he is a sole trader. 
  • comeandgo said:
    If he has a Facebook page ask him directly on there .  Others can read it and I’d imagine he will reply.  Why did you give him so much of your money, a decent tradesman does not need a deposit.
    He had previously carried out lots of work around my neighbourhood all with positive reviews. The deposit was 50% to secure the materials, which i did hesitate at first but I ended up trusting him due to the good feedback from my neighbours. 
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