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Kitchen Fitting

BUILDER WANTS PAYMENT TODAY OR AN 15% FEE IS CHARGED WEEKLY

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.05 PM

I have had a kitchen refurb and initially the builders were on site and focused on the job, then realising I was not going to give them any of the other tasks in the house (The prices were 3+ times anyone else for decorating) that needed doing pulled most of their men out and have only visited sporadically when prompted and then just for a half a day here and there. There is now what looks like a damp problem on a wall where there was never a problem previously and I am just being told they will get someone to look and bla bla but nothing happens. I have a 'contract' with them that states in nice small writing that the final payment is due today and if it is not made a 15% fee will be added weekly to the outstanding bill. What I don't understand is they have teams of workers and this job could have been wrapped up 8 weeks ago but they are dragging out like a child who doesn't like his dinner. What can I do? Do I pay up final amount because of the 15% fee which I will never pay, which will just lead to more conflict? I have invoices for the job and the work is outlined in them. The kitchen has a flat roof above it which was replaced fully in May this year and there have been no sign of leaks or damp. I do not even care about the missing cabinet handles I am just worried about having to pay out again for the Wall and redecoration. They have my keys which are meant to be returned but haven't which I know is not a big problem but also annoying, Any advice would be great

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4 Answers

Anonymous user

This is something that you need to speak to citizens advise about or a seek legal advise. We are tradesmen, not legal advisers. Although, I can assure you that this is not something that I would have put in any contract.

Answered19 November 2019

LDM home & garden services limited

No reviews yet

Norwich

I am not a legal expert but I would have thought that Regardless of what the contract stipulates you should not have to pay the final instalment until the works are complete. If there are door handles missing etc then the work clearly isn’t completed and if you pay the final instalment they will likely never be done. Also the consumer rights act also states that if they have caused damage or not completed the job you can hold back funds to cover remedial work. I wouldn’t worry about the 15% fee because they are unlikely to take you to court for it because the fee is disproportionate. And you have a right to hold of paying until they have addressed you concerns and completed the work

Answered20 November 2019

D & R Property and Plumbing Maintenance

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

New Romney

you signed so are legally bound by this contract,your best bet is to put in writing the work that has not been completed and point out that as they have not finished the job they are in breach of the contract,send letter recorded delivery.

Answered20 November 2019

Anonymous user

They cannot charge 15% the best they can charge is interest in line with the Bank of England base rate and that only kicks in if the invoice hasn't been paid 30 days after it was issued. I'm assuming the completion date is earlier than the payment date? If so they are also in breach of contract for not finishing the job on time (the contracts work both ways). Thus (if you really wanted to and wanted to go down the drawn out legal route) you could actually counter bill them for the late completion. If in doubt get trading standards involved - they are impartial and fair to both the consumer and contractor.

Answered24 November 2019