Agreed job, dates, times, prices etc. He was a little slow on responding, which made me feel there could be issues with his ability to do the job, but he told me he was just starting out, so I accepted he might be learning the ropes. I then asked about insurance, because I couldn't see any on his record. He then suddenly said he was pulling out of the deal because he felt I would try to claim on his insurance and all I was bothered about was the insurance. I have several texts from this person and hardly any of them mentions insurance, one I think.
ALWAYS make sure you get evidence of insurance. If they injure themselves, then can sue you.
I think this builder bit off more than he could chew, claiming he could do a job he couldn't at a price he couldn't. He stated in his text that he charged me less than it should have been, but at no point did I ask him to do this, so I feel this is an excuse. I think he wouldn't have been able to do the job. I had to keep asking him things several times to get answers.
