advice on cost of kitchen related jobs

want2bmortgage3

i had somebody help me with my kitchen, as i have never fitted one
before. he made out he fits kitchens regularly and could do worktops
properly, and said he could give me a hand as and when i needed it.


he has done various jobs which i will list:

- cut worktops and fitted (joins aren't very good though and worktop
height from floor is different in places)
- cut upstands and fitted, worktops are black slate and hes used a
black silicon to seal between the worktop and upstand which stands out
a bit and looks messy
- cut hole and fitted sink, fitted tap, and waste pipe
- removed a double socket, and put in a junction box, plastered over
the hole
- wired up extractor fan, with a switch+ light (light always stays on
- not sure if this is normal)
- skimmed over a very small area of ceiling in the hall way (over
plasterboard)
- used his time and van to collect worktops from diy store (about 1
hour)
- put the base units in place (already assembled,not secured or screwed together) and
not finished - did not consider height of end panels, so worktop had
to be raised before fitting upstands. also splashback had to be
removed and fitted higher
- helped with kitchen wall units (again i assembled these) but i am now having to re-fit them as
they werent in the right place, this was because he did not consider end
panels width so cabinets need moving sideways and also down to be
level with chimney hood
- broke a bit of wood on my pan drawer cabinet by leaning on it
- broke feet on cabinets by moving them without care

so basically hes done some jobs which have helped me but i am still
left with fitting all the units correctly (which i am happy to do)

i have left a key for him various occasions to let himself in as i
dont get back til 230pm so i havent been able to keep track of his
hours. a couple of times it seemed like he had only just turned up
when i got in.

now he has left a note saying he has done 27 hours but rounded it to
24 hours (3 days) and the charge is £540. (22.50 an hour)

this was more than i was expecting, and if i was being critical of the
work i would say that i need new worktops due to the poor joins.
however i am not looking for an a1 job and can probably put up with
how they are. but someone else wouldnt.

so i just wondered if anyone here fits kitchens and could give me an
idea of whether what hes asking is reasonable, bearing in mind the way
he would come and go (and not turn up various times he said he would)
and also considering the poor quality of work.
i realise i should have agreed a price and maybe paid as i went along
instead of waiting for a bill like this. would
really appreciate some advice!

BobProperty

It sounds like he is charging tradesman rates (£180 a day) without having the skills that go with it. I'd guess you have nothing in writing on what he was to do and how much he was to get paid? What does he do for a living? (Please don't say Fireman ) Did he want paying in cash by any chance?

want2bmortgage3

yes hes charging 180 a day (22.50 an hour) and agree i dont think he has the skills to do a professional job. the question is do i pay up or refuse to pay on the basis the job hasnt been done properly?? i think he mostly does plastering but also tiling and the odd kitchen...
you are right there is nothing in writing and he wants either cash or a cheque

want2bmortgage3

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heres some pics

DNK

Even I would be unhappy if my own work was like that (and I've never fitted a kitchen before.)
If I were in your position, at first I would call him and be polite and tell him there are a few "niggles" I needed sorting out first and then renegotiate the price.
At least you're in the driving seat with you still having possession of your money!