Advice regarding a builder on a second day of work.

lokz

Hello all,

I have started work with a builder regarding new foundations for a porch (2 + 1.5 meters) and foundartions for 2.3 meters of garage door infill. Bricking up a garage door and leaving space for a window. Replacing flat roof to lean to roof and a drainage as per thames water consent to connect (to a 100 mm public sewer )

Before signing the contract I mentioned that the work needs to be done as per council buidling regs and thames water guidance. I also requested to give me a quote assuming atleast 1 meter deep foundations as the council is strict.

Today is the second day and the worker employed by him dug 800 cms deep yesterday . The inspector came and he said without a minimum of 1 m, can't accept.

The builder was furious in the evening and i have seen him becoming aggressive and becoming disrespectful towards me. He left and called me after 15mins. and asked me to transfer 1st payment which is 2500 pounds.

Regarding the drainage, I had to tell him the rules that y junction needs to be like for like (in this case clay)

I lost trust as well as respect on the second day and now worried about everything.

I see him doing around 5 conversions or extensions currently in my area although I understand he uses a private building inspector.

Any advice is helpful.

Jemma01

Without knowing what's in the contract: I wouldn't pay if his job is non compliant except for the 800mm he dug. I would get two builders to give me a quote for the job and state how much that 800mm costs, and pay the average to the builder and don't let him back in.

That way, you paid for the job they did, and you got professionals advice on how much the 800mm is worth. Take photos and get the inspector to give you a written notice of non-compliance. If he tries to escalate, your papers are ready.

However, do check the contract, I'm sure he's binding himself to rules and regulations. He might be in breach of his own contract. The contract might also stipulate a chance to correct mistakes that you need to comply with.

grumpy_codger

800cm = 8m

LOL

Metrocammell

What does the contract say about dig depth?
Going back a few years when I was quoting my own jobs I would specify max 850mm dig. The was normal spec from building control around here. Unless I was going off architect drawing, in which case it could be done accordingly.
With respects of private building control, I see no such problem here, I have done so myself and found it no different other than being cheaper than the local council.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6661162/advice-regarding-a-builder-on-a-second-day-of-work

Hi Lokz.

Horrible situation, and just unnecessary.

How well can you evidence the initial requirements - 1m founds, waste connection, etc? How detailed is the quote?

And what payment installments arrangement had you come to? Is the £2.5k request on track?

If it's all pretty watertight, and the guy is just being an unprofessional git, then for your own sake I'd suggest you try and roll with it.

'Sympathise' with him on the BCO's insistence of 1m, but just add that it clearly needs doing or they won't pass it. Ditto on anything else you are aware of - gently point out your concerns if it doesn't appear to confirm.

And, have your phone surreptitiously recording when you speak to him, or have someone else witnessing or doing so.

If the guy's work is good quality, then best grit your teeth if you can.

sheenas

Seem to be a few issues here. Is there a payment schedule? The stage payments should be clearly document and the basis for each payment. Not meeting the building controls sign-off is nothing to do with you, It's between the builder and building control. My response would be a email stating you are happy to make the payment once you get confirmation of building control sign-off. I would not get into a debate and as I assume he has requested building control inspect the work, he is by his actions accepting sign-off is required as part of the works. The verbal stuff has no value.

stuart45

The BCO is asking for a minimum of 1000mm. Even at that depth there's no guarantee it will pass. If the ground is still too soft you might have to go deeper.

Not a good sign if he's getting aggressive after the first day.

WIAWSNB

Not at all a good sign. But, if the quality of his work is good, and he can be 'managed', then try and stick with him if you can.

In this, however, do not be deflected from what are your rights, and that in essence is the agreed payment schedule, and that he carries out the agreed work to the BCO's standards.

Act the innocent layman in the middle - "The BCO insists on XYZ, and obviously won't pass it if…" You seem to know what you are talking about, Lokz, so keep your nerve and keep an eye on the guy's work - that drain, for example.

If he becomes aggressive, then calmly ask him 'why?'.

And record record record…

This should be over soon :-)

bjorn_toby_wilde

Two days in and he’s angry, disrespectful and asking for money. This is only going one way isn’t it? Personally I’d pay only for the work he’s done so far and get shot.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936828#Comment_81936828

That is fine, if you have another decent builder you can call on, happy to take over this just-begun job, and you can convince them that you weren't the difficult party. And, if the existing builder cannot claim 'foul' on you not giving him a second chance.

All he needs to say is summat like, "Really sorry - I had some bad news, but obviously I shouldn't have taken it out on you… I'll be good.", in which case you will have broken your contract of dodgy grounds.

bjorn_toby_wilde

Mmmm. Let’s see how it pans out.

Aggressive behaviour towards a customer is unforgivable in my view. I wouldn’t tolerate it but each to his own.