Builder dispute – looking for advice/experiences

Crocodile24

I’m currently in an ongoing dispute with a builder following home improvement works that did not go as expected and resulted in damage to my property. Concerns were raised during the project, but the situation became untenable and the works were stopped to prevent further issues.

I’m interested in hearing how others have handled similar situations and what approaches helped.

Alderbank

What would you consider to be 'similar situations'?

marcia_

Crocodile24 said:

I’m currently in an ongoing dispute with a builder following home improvement works that did not go as expected and resulted in damage to my property. Concerns were raised during the project, but the situation became untenable and the works were stopped to prevent further issues.

I’m interested in hearing how others have handled similar situations and what approaches helped.

What type of damage? 

born_again

Crocodile24 said:

I’m currently in an ongoing dispute with a builder following home improvement works that did not go as expected and resulted in damage to my property. Concerns were raised during the project, but the situation became untenable and the works were stopped to prevent further issues.

I’m interested in hearing how others have handled similar situations and what approaches helped.

What outcome are you looking for in your situation?

crashtest7611

Crocodile24 said:

I’m currently in an ongoing dispute with a builder following home improvement works that did not go as expected and resulted in damage to my property. Concerns were raised during the project, but the situation became untenable and the works were stopped to prevent further issues.

I’m interested in hearing how others have handled similar situations and what approaches helped.

Had similar issues with my builder who caused damage due to insufficient temporary works, we discussed it with the builder then followed up with a letter to record the issues, and the details of the discussion.  At the end of the job we negotiated a discount on the final payment.  Putting things in writing helped in my case.

pinkshoes

Crocodile24 said:

I’m currently in an ongoing dispute with a builder following home improvement works that did not go as expected and resulted in damage to my property. Concerns were raised during the project, but the situation became untenable and the works were stopped to prevent further issues.

I’m interested in hearing how others have handled similar situations and what approaches helped.

There have been lots of similar cases on here, some with successful outcomes, some less so.

Firstly, where did you find this builder? Do you have full contact details e.g. business address, full name etc...

Secondly, did you pay a deposit? If so how much, how much is still due, and how did you pay?

You would probably need to get an independent inspector to assess the work done so far and establish how much  "value" has been added with the work already done vs how much it is going to cost to put mistakes right and finish the project. That way if you need to sue the builder, you know how much you'll be chasing. 

Androiduser

crashtest7611 said:

Crocodile24 said:

I’m currently in an ongoing dispute with a builder following home improvement works that did not go as expected and resulted in damage to my property. Concerns were raised during the project, but the situation became untenable and the works were stopped to prevent further issues.

I’m interested in hearing how others have handled similar situations and what approaches helped.

Had similar issues with my builder who caused damage due to insufficient temporary works, we discussed it with the builder then followed up with a letter to record the issues, and the details of the discussion.  At the end of the job we negotiated a discount on the final payment.  Putting things in writing helped in my case.

Not had issues with Builders but fully agree put everything in righting (i prefer good old letters sent Signed for) and keep the tone polite and explore possible solutions as in give them the chance to fix the issue or agree a reduced payment to cover the costs of getting another Builder in to complete work, but be aware they often dont like fixing others mistakes.

Crocodile24

The project hasn’t been completed and there are unresolved issues, final payment is due on completion. Things have now become more formal and legal-sounding.

The company wants to come back for a “site inspection”. I’m uneasy because it feels like the situation has shifted from trying to finish the job to creating a record of their own version of events. I don’t want to be obstructive, but I also don’t feel comfortable with further work or the situation being reframed after the fact.

There is also still temporary equipment on the property from when the works were underway, which adds to the pressure and makes everything feel more complicated.

Has anyone dealt with something like this — where a contractor wants to inspect after a dispute has escalated? How did you stay reasonable while still protecting yourself?

Crocodile24

Also has anyone on here gone to Small Claims Court against a builder? 

marcia_

Crocodile24 said:

The project hasn’t been completed and there are unresolved issues, final payment is due on completion. Things have now become more formal and legal-sounding.

The company wants to come back for a “site inspection”. I’m uneasy because it feels like the situation has shifted from trying to finish the job to creating a record of their own version of events. I don’t want to be obstructive, but I also don’t feel comfortable with further work or the situation being reframed after the fact.

There is also still temporary equipment on the property from when the works were underway, which adds to the pressure and makes everything feel more complicated.

Has anyone dealt with something like this — where a contractor wants to inspect after a dispute has escalated? How did you stay reasonable while still protecting yourself?

  I would have thought that was part of the process to sort things out. How can they rectify errors if they can't inspect what you claim is wrong? 

born_again

marcia_ said:

Crocodile24 said:

The project hasn’t been completed and there are unresolved issues, final payment is due on completion. Things have now become more formal and legal-sounding.

The company wants to come back for a “site inspection”. I’m uneasy because it feels like the situation has shifted from trying to finish the job to creating a record of their own version of events. I don’t want to be obstructive, but I also don’t feel comfortable with further work or the situation being reframed after the fact.

There is also still temporary equipment on the property from when the works were underway, which adds to the pressure and makes everything feel more complicated.

Has anyone dealt with something like this — where a contractor wants to inspect after a dispute has escalated? How did you stay reasonable while still protecting yourself?

  I would have thought that was part of the process to sort things out. How can they rectify errors if they can't inspect what you claim is wrong? 

Would also add if you do not let them back on site, then you are opening up a counter claim it anything is hired & they can't return it.

don’t want to be obstructive

But by not letting them  back, you are being.