Want to cancel job - tradesman says he has bought materials

housebuyer7

I was quoted for a job a month ago. I was hoping for work to be completed mid September but he said he’s running 2 weeks behind. I then this week asked about changing the scope of work and what the change in price would be. He said a reduction of £150 when another tradesman advised £500. 

Anyway I said I can’t make up my mind what I want as it’s costing £2500 so need to think carefully I said I’ll maybe add it back in later down the line (he’s also doing other jobs for me). He’s now replied saying he’s bought all the materials and booked a slot for the work. For context this is a joinery made shelving unit. I don’t want bad blood I didn’t realise I would be beholden to this. I did say “please proceed” a month ago but I haven’t been given a date or paid a deposit or signed anything. and now looking like it will be October…

eskbanker

housebuyer7 said:

I was quoted for a job a month ago. I was hoping for work to be completed mid September but he said he’s running 2 weeks behind. 

[...]

I did say “please proceed” a month ago but I haven’t been given a date or paid a deposit or signed anything. and now looking like it will be October…

Was there any discussion about lead times and if so, verbally or in writing?

tacpot12

You knew you could pay the £2500 a month ago, and could afford it then. He's bought the materials, which means a big problem if you cancel. I think you are best continuing with the plan and accept that he might be overcharging you £350, or he might not. There is nothing to say the other tradesperson is right about what the job should be costing with the reduced scope.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

How was this agreement formed OP?

Did he come to your house at all?

housebuyer7

He came to my house and then when I said to proceed this was over WhatsApp message

housebuyer7

The quote was also provided via WhatsApp message

housebuyer7

Lead times he said verbally, and then I have chased for a date and he said he was a couple of weeks behind. I still don’t have a proper date

eskbanker

housebuyer7 said:

He’s now replied saying he’s bought all the materials and booked a slot for the work.

What is his response to you asking exactly (or even roughly) when that is?

housebuyer7

No response to that yet

elsien

Please proceed seems a pretty clear agreement to me though. 

HampshireH

You asked him to proceed. That was his instruction.

Also a lead time is just that it's not fixed.

I don't think he is in the wrong here.