Unfinished work and never likely to finish my project.
Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.43 PM
I removed my storm damaged conservatory and had some bulders come to look at options and agreed a garden room with skylight, new window frames, doors etc. Initially had great relatioship with builder but now continually lies and gives excuses then promise which he breaks to the point he has now washed his hands of this project and said he will pass on the remaing works to his brother who as yet has still not contacted me. I have been in limbo for nearly a year, what recourse if any do I have. I have over a 100 texts, some whatsapp and emails which shows how many times he has let me down. He got a subcontractor to make wooden windows but has not paid hime so he is taking him to court even though I paid part of there cost already. Works completed so far. new wooden shell, EPDM flat roof which has ripples, lead work but needs repointing, plater boarded walls but mostly blown due to weather elements, guttering and cut into existing downpipe, some brickwork to side elevation as height of flat higher than original consvatory.
Work to be completed. new windows, doors & glazing, remaining soffits, re- stretch EPDM (I think) skylight to install which he kept telling be he had bought, plaster all walls, fit skirting boards, one coat of paint etc. I have been let down and his account has been ceased on this site now. I paid 2 payments on the button as requested with final payment on completion of all works bar any snags. Any advice would be great
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
If your builder is registered with NHBC or others contact them, if you have invoices try the small clames court.
If you are paying cash there is not a lot you can do.
What Maldon has said is true, if you have paid cash there is no record of the funds going into an account that belongs to him (unless you have a confirmation message from him thanking you for the payments), then you could potentially go small claims court. With what you have said, I doubt he is registered with any trade bodies and your avenues there would be limited. If he is already being sued by a supplier, I think the chances of you recouping money would be slim. With regard to the work, I think he may have left you with a lot more to pay. If you still have pay for the doors, windows, glazing, plastering, flooring and painting, it could be costly. Not to mention the works that may need to be repaired. The EPDM is a probably going to be a replacement if he has glued it down, the risk with all the ripples could be condensation and the rotting of the substrate (cant be sure and would not like to make the call without seeing the work). I am sorry this has happened to you and we have seen it often. I have seen people in tears at jobs I have been around to look at and it is not good when a certain few take the .... All I can suggest to others is get references, ask to speak to previous clients, ask what insurance cover they have and ask if you can visit old clients to view their work.
Hi sorry for the troubles you have
Firstly anything ordered by him is he problem not yours so the window company should pursue the person who ordered the windows
Unless the builder has assets like owning his house there may well be no point in paying solicitors or courts further monies which could go to the cost of finishing the project
I would definitely get a surveyor round to take pictures and cast a professional eye over the amount and quality of the work done then at least it is possible to employ a builder to finish your work
It is very distressing for you but unless you know he has assets then don’t distress yourself anymore
There is nothing wrong with the other answer but did you have a contract with your builder or was it word of mouth. He sounds like a wolf in sheep’s clothing which is a shame. I think you need to find a good replacement builder but don’t part with any money. Do the job as works progress. Get some sort of times that the new builders will start and finish. Give them a list of works and a list of faults. Not liking the ripple in your roof. May need re doing. Then contact your local citizens advice centre to if it’s possible to take the last builder to court. You need all the proof you can get of what went on with invoices, photos, a log of what went on and what is right and what is wrong plus an account of the money you paid to date (money taken from your bank to pay the builder or cheques paid to the builder. I am sorry that you may have picked a bad builder but there are some very good builders out there. Good luck
