builder not turning up

Give him till the end of the month to finish up the work whilst also informing him that this is an ultimatum. The threat, if he refuses to comply, is to photograph everything and save all emails so as to formulate a chronological case file to present to a small claims court. This should be enough, if not, then proceed; its all very straightforward one the claim is initially purchased. Most parties, in the wrong, capitulate before the court date and settle.

You should not pay money until job is finished