Workman wants more money up front

Jmoo

So we are due to have a baby in the next week, and had seen a plasterer looking for quick jobs before the New Year. His work looked good and he came with some recommendations. He jumped at the chance to do some work quickly, and I understood he was keen to make the money, as he said he'd just become a dad too.

He turned up with a fellow workmate and got cracking, aiming to finish that day. But then problems happened, and his workmate went home sick, and he struggled to find another. He then brought in his nephew.

He got half way through, before calling it a day. 

He asked if he could be paid around half to cover materials and labour. I agreed to do approximately 55%, as someone understanding of these small tradespeople. He said he'd be back the next day. 

But he never returned saying his partner and child was sick and had no help at home. He said he'd be there the next day. But again didn't materialise today.

Until this afternoon he said he'd wife had thrown him out and would need to do the work to make some money for a hotel room. But he then said he'd need more resource so disappeared. I offered him food and drink but said couldn't help any other way and I'd work with him as to when he wanted to do the job. 

Tonight he's messaged asking for more money in advance. I've so far ignored his message - I feel mean spirited but I can't trust that he will be back before the baby is born now to complete the job.

I'm not being unreasonable, right?

TELLIT01

Not in the least unreasonable.  It's just one excuse after another, developing into a sob story to put the OP on a guilt trip.

carly

He's playing you and acting on your good nature and empathy.  Don't give him any more money. You will ultimately regret it if you do. He is too full of excuses. 

twopenny

I've had these sob stories twice - at least one was real and I listened for hours and sympathised etc.

One left me in the lurch to make more money elsewhere knowing I desperately needed help I wasn't his priority, fortunately I hadn't parted with any money.

The other don't know if the story was real but he was looking for a quick buck so I cut and ran.

So you've paid just over half and he's done half the work. I'd say he was darn lucky.

No, whether he is in an emotional turmoil or not you've been understanding and now have your own problems to deal with.

Enjoy the baby and deal with the unfinished ceiling when you have had time to recover. Should be some workmen out there who need some money for their fuel bills in the new year

Jmoo

I have had to borrow money from family to pay him anyway, so it's not a lie to say I can't just hand it over.

He's left his tools here so I assume at some point he will return to do the job. Just hope we can clear up at some point! 

kazwookie

Don't pay any money, until he has finished the job.

Markmywords

kazwookie said:

Don't pay any money, until he has finished the job.

yes very good advice. Don't pay anymore until he has finished. You may get ripped off

FreeBear

kazwookie said:

Don't pay any money, until he has finished the job.

And cleaned up afterwards. Plastering is a messy job... Oh, and don't let him clean his tools off in the sink or chuck the dirty water down the drain. Not unless you want to pay for a plumber to clear the drains as well.

Markmywords

FreeBear said:

kazwookie said:

Don't pay any money, until he has finished the job.

And cleaned up afterwards. Plastering is a messy job... Oh, and don't let him clean his tools off in the sink or chuck the dirty water down the drain. Not unless you want to pay for a plumber to clear the drains as well.

yes good point