Advice regarding a builder on a second day of work.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81937343#Comment_81937343

Of course it's unacceptable.

But if the OP can manage the situation, then he'll save the considerable hassle of cancelling this contract, arguing over the amount owed, and finding a new builder. That's all I'm saying.

To do this, he should make sure he's protected - record everything, at least write a verbatim account. Consult his leg prot and stuff.

It's a horrible situation, but it doesn't look to be a huge job - he'll hopefully be through this in a few weeks.

lokz

@Jemma01 @Metrocammell @WIAWSNB @sheenas @stuart45 @bjorn_toby_wilde

Thanks every one for the comments. Things have sorted for now.

My nerves became high after the whole situation which happened on Tuesday (24th). I had to calm down and on Wednesday had spoken to my neighbour from where i got the reference.

The builder was working there for over a year now . The neighbours have been using them for many years for multiple jobs across multiple properties in their family and they gave a good reference to me. After speaking to them, they mentioned it never happened to them.

Not sure what happened, but later that day (on Wednesday) the builder's team came through and dug through the foundations for 1 meter and completed the drainage job the next day (on Thrusday). He did not bring the money conversation, but after the 2 jobs were done and after BCO was happy with the foundations yesterday, I have transferred their step 1 payment and whatsapped and called him. After the payment they poured the concrete as well yesterday evening.

In between sometime yesterday I had spoken to him and suggested to speak calmly and showed the payment schedule which clearly mentions the payment needs to be paid after the steps are completed. It was just a 5 minute conversation and he mentioned his wife has drafted it wrong . I didn't speak much but emphasised that the payments will go through as per the document.

Today Thames water inspector came and they were happy with the work as well.

In the contract, it specifically mentions 1 meter of foundations and also mentions need to adhere to all regulations. It also mentions deposit, which i had paid before the job started, 3 payment schedules and final payment. I now paid the first payment as well. Lets see how the next 2 steps go ahead.

This is part of my garage conversion project and the interiors (new WC and new office room) is being done by another builder, who works on his own (again from reference) and it was very easy to work with him. Initially my plan is to find the trades directly , but being in south east and outside M25, it was very hard to get even to look at the jobs or have to wait a month or so. Few builders did not even want to look at the job as it is too small for them and few who looked at them either gave ridiculous quote or said its too small for them to work on their quote. Managing multiple trades were making me stressful and had to go with this builder.

At the end of all this, its a learning experience for me and I am glad that I did not start a big project with this builder. I just want to stay calm and get this completed .

Thanks for all your replies , it definitely helped me to handle this calmly.

WIAWSNB

Sounds like you have a handle on this, and I suspect the builder now knows not to push his luck. Nicely done 😉

Please update us, and add pics 😁