Stonemasonry

Builder/consultant asking for alot of money which was not in original fixed price quote

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.56 PM

Hi First time posting... I hired a consultant/builder to fix a gable wall end issue. He got reports etc done and gave me a fixed price contract. Even then I asked him if any additional costs as money will be tight and I was taking a loan. He said only for the "unforeseen" which may be additional £3-5k. I kept this in mind. Whilst carrying out the work, he kept mentioning there is alot to do and this needs doing and that needs doing. As I needed the issues fixing, and had money set aside, I went with it. Paid on time for all extra work and for the all the work we initially discussed and got a quote for. Now at a crucial part of building the wall, he has been going on about weather being right. Fair enough. Then I don't hear from him for a week and tried ringing him. He wouldn't answer. Then texted me saying all explained in email he is going to send. 5 days later. Still nothing. So rang him again. No answer and then saw an email from him! As he is a consultant, he wants his wages paying and for all time he spent. Apparently he is a consultant and has had to "muck" in! And now wants £18k!!! This was never discussed or agreed or written anywhere!! I have paid for all extra work and all the original plan and just want it completing! Building is already propped up by scaffolding, jacks etc and the wall needs to be built - large stone which may need to be cut to size and additional may need to be bought! I am at wits end and need this completing. Appreciate if anyone can advice/help. _______ Thanks Chris Douglas. I have spoken to Citizen (Consumer) Advice and logged it with them - who said they log it for Trading Standards. I am going to speak to him next week when he is back on the job and discuss. If not, then, as advised by Consumer Advice, will need to write to him formally and take it from there and go to Trading Standards. Just don't understand how he came about with the "consultancy" charge when none of it was discussed, agreed or written in the fixed quote. Further I look into it, I may need to give Trading Standards a call, however, going to have another discussion with him to see what he says. I cannot have him abandon the work at this stage, however, I cannot be "blackmailed" this way either. Thank you. ______