4th July 2010 - I've given this builder plenty of time to rectify the problems he's caused. Unfortunately I have no choice but to leave negative feedback.
There is so much wrong with the way this builder operates that it would take pages for me to explain, so I will put this into some simple advice below...
1) Do not pay this builder ANYTHING until work has completely finished.
2) Get EVERYTHING in writing with appropriate addresses and contact details at least a week before work starts.
3) Keep a close eye on your materials as this builder seems to think it's his God-given right to take any remaining materials left over from the job. (Yes that includes the expensive bits)
4) Check your reciepts if you give him money to go shopping for materials. Yes he will buy his own materials and tools with YOUR money.
5) Expect a lot of unecessary expenditure after the job finishes. You will need to spend on cleaning up the mess left behind. We still have layers of red dust settling 3 months on.
6) Most importantly, don't fall for the smiles. Some people know how to gain your trust through appearing genuine. Take it from sombody who's fallen for it. If you treat some people with respect and kindness, they will take advantage.
If anybody wants to know what sort of issues we've had to deal with, there is an unbelieveably long list, however just to name a couple;
Shower switch caught fire while my wife was in the shower
Floors uneven and need to be re-layed
Electrical work left hanging out of walls in bathroom.
...The list is VERY long...
As a result what started as a £900 job has actually ended up costing me nearly £2000 in labour, by getting proper tradesmen in to fix the problems caused.
In addition we had to replace a blown washing machine PCB, as a result of this builder messing about with the main fusebox while it was ON.
Also a new vacuum cleaner as our Dyson was ruined by him vacuuming up building rubble.
I'm guessing some people who have not bothered to leave feedback have encountered similar problems to us.
All I can say is stay away. Go with an honest builder who will set a price upfront, and do a proper job.
Hope this helps...