We been done over yet again!!

[Mermaid2sea]

Our previous builder took a lump sum from us and then decided that he wasn't making enough money and called it a day....the contract we had was no good as he stated as an estimate and not a quote. So we got someone else and guess what he took a deposit then told us the work was going to be finished than first anticipated so he'll need more money and that will be it until pracitcal completion.

Then as days went by his workers were coming less and less frequent nor was he...he told us that he was on a course when really he'd actually got himself a 9-5 job with a company. He then called to say that unless we give him more money the workers won't be coming back on site. We tried to explain that we couldn't give anymore money as he had 70% payment but on 10% of the work had been completed.

We now found he didn't pay his workers. He doesn't own the house where he lives it's rented. He says he has no money...but is sending his 3 children to a private school. (I guess with our money). He said he will return our money each time he gives a date and the on the day he says he's having difficulty getting the money together.

I'm worried where we stand legally.

This was mean't to be our dream home but it's turned into a nightmare.:

 

[tennisfan]

I'm sorry for all the hassle Have you tried contacting Citizen advice or a solicitor about where you stand? I'm sure you must have rights about getting the money back or the work completed.

 

[Mermaid2sea]

I'm sorry for all the hassle Have you tried contacting Citizen advice or a solicitor about where you stand? I'm sure you must have rights about getting the money back or the work completed.

Thank you.

Our local CAB is closed today the lines are open from tomorrow morning. I have a help service at work whom I contacted before. They told me to send a letter giving 7 days for him to rectify the problem. But we given him the benefit of doubt so I'll be drafting a letter tonight to send to him tomorrow.

 

[cstokell]

You poor thing, if having building work done is not stressfull enough.I do hope you get this sorted out.

How do people like that sleep at night??

Maybe you should contact a programme like "Rouge Traders" on the BBC to see if you can name and shame these builders.

Good luck !!

 

[eyoreaud]

Oh, you poor thing I also think you should contact citizens advice and tell them your story then see what they say.
Hope it gets sorted out soon, Keep us posted as to whats happening, we're always here

 

[Claire L]

Sounds like the Small Claims Court is your best option at the moment based on the onfo you ahve given.

Small Claims Court gives you alot of information about how to go about making a claim and what you can expect to get out of it.

Claire

 

[Mermaid2sea]

Sounds like the Small Claims Court is your best option at the moment based on the onfo you ahve given.

Small Claims Court gives you alot of information about how to go about making a claim and what you can expect to get out of it.

Claire

Thank you.... I will look into this....I thought Small Claims Court was only upto £5K. Ours is nearly double.


Thanks

 

[Claire L]

Thank you.... I will look into this....I thought Small Claims Court was only upto £5K. Ours is nearly double.


Thanks

If it is over £5000 then it can go to the County Court and be up to any amount!

The first link I gave you explains alot.

Claire

 

[Mermaid2sea]

My concern now is that he may file for bankruptcy.

 

[Mermaid2sea]

My concern now is that he may file for bankruptcy. Not sure how it would work because he is now working - not sure if we can claim on his salary.

 

[Claire L]

My concern now is that he may file for bankruptcy. Not sure how it would work because he is now working - not sure if we can claim on his salary.

It is a tricky position to be in as if he has no assests ie property or cars then there is little a court can do, I don't think they could claim against any resonable income.

Hope you get an answer soon.

Claire

 

[Claire L]

As suggested in the link to the County Court may be worth checking this person out through the Registry Trust to see if he has been to court for anything like this in the past and failed to pay.

Claire

 

[irongirlof12]

try contacting your local trading standards, if he is know to them they may have a file on him! They can also give you advise on how you stand legally.