Driveways & Paving

abandonned contract, job is a mess, how to draw a line under it

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.25 PM

Hi, we have had a rogue builder abandon a contract. Some other builders have come round to have a look. A couple have come in very close at around GBP 800 to undo the damage done by the first builder. One of them reckons I can just forget about the previous builder (let sleeping dogs lie etc), but another has warned us to get an expert witness statement in case this is a game being played. I investigated the cost of an expert witness statement and its about GBP 600, from a chartered surveyor. I am a bit reluctant to spend GBP 1400 on nothing other than damage to my property. What actions should I take with the first builder. I am concerned that its "disputed works", and new work cannot start until the existing matter is closed. We have taken extensive photos of the current state, but I dont know whether that would be enough in the event that he returns in a year, after we have had the job completed by someone else. I am a bit concerned that he could deny the quality of his work in the future. I initially wrote to the builder, stating the history of events (we gave him an initial opportunity to pull his socks up, but instead he just made pigs ear on new stuff). He said he would send something through about a month ago. However, its a month on, and we have received nothing. Would a letter from me, saying that we consider the matter closed, be sufficient? I should also say that this chap is quite threatening. We called the police and registered that there was a problem, and they have told us to call through immediately if he should even show in our road.