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Extensions

Cowboy builder blackmailing us saying project won't get council approval till he is paid

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.10 PM

A bit of a nightmare! the project was to finish in 6 months and now its been 15months, the builder/contractor doesnt pick up the phones and when he does he sends (once in a month) very unprofessional workers to do bits and pieces. Im down 60K, not sure what can be done. There is ALOT of material i can write here but the crux of the matter is that the contractor doesnt give a shit and i need to figure out what to do as he is blackmailing us that he wont get us the council approval till he is getting paid and we are saying man first finish the job and get the certificates, the job thats already 9 months over run! any legal advice? does trading standards actually work? any advice? Thanks, AJ --- Unfortunately, i cant add a reply to your comment (website limitations). It was done with a proper planning permission- one 6m kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Building control Okayed everything else and asked for the Gas and Electricity certificates, which the builder is supposed to provide. Without these certificates, the LCAB wont sign off the extension. Yes we do have the contract - as i understand the building laws arent that great, but still need to see a solicitor once the sign off is recieved from the coucil. Much appreciated for your advice Stronghold. thanks,

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1 Answer

Anonymous user

Hi AJ, can you clarify what certificates it is he is saying you wont get? is it from building control or gas/electrical safety certs? What stage is your build at and did you need a planning application or was it done as permitted development? have building control been notified and have they visited site at all? Did you have a contract with the builder? Most of the above you can get yourself quite easily so please don't feel you are trapped by this guy that is making the rest of us look bad. Add a reply and I will help advise you as much as possible. Cheers Stronghold AJ you should be able to get you gas and an electric cert done by any gas safe plumber and a registered electrician, do make sure you get a receipt and add it to your claim against the cowboy, at least that way you can get the worked signed off. Was the work carried out by him or people working directly for him or did he use sub-contract? If so, contact them directly and get them to finish their work, any reputable contractors would not want to be tarnished by this guy and his bad workmanship and customer service. Hope this helps a bit more. Stronghold

Answered9 September 2014