Running out of money fast.

8 years ago

We had to get a builder in an emergency, we had an intractable rat problem that 6 lots of pest control from various providers had failed to solve in 4 years. Our builder was recommended by the current pest control company, and in many ways he is wonderful. He understood the issue, exposed all the problem areas, and was sensible to the risks, but unsqueamish. We had a lot of false ceilings that had to be removed, and the whole house is involved.

our problem is that he was given an open ended brief, and lots more problems with the house have been uncovered, the rats had made all the wiring dangerous, so we've had a full rewire, the flat roof needed to be replaced, as do both bathrooms. The loft needs all the insulation replaced. This has all been going on for 2 months. We are fairly sure that the house is now protected from further invasion, but only 4 rooms are almost completed. We still need 1 bathroom fitted. And tiled. 4 ceilings replaced, all the loft work, 2nd fix on the electrics, And making good. They have been decorating the rooms as they go along.

But we have spent over 20,000 pounds . We have borrowed more, but we only have enough for 2 or3 more weeks of work.

obviously, we need to say that he must leave the decorating to us.

can we, at this stage ask for a schedule with costs?

is it reasonable to expect 2 people to complete the work outlined, with some other bits of leftover making good in this time frame.

and how do I have this conversation with him, without souring the atmosphere, or having him walk off the job. I know it is crazy not to have a quote and estimates etc, but we were desperate, and he is an honest man, the problems found were real, and he hasn't benefitted from them. He is a good builder and much in demand, so we don't feel that he is making the job last longer than it should. But it has drifted, the small bathroom has taken weeks, and his assistant is lovely, but slow.

what should I do?

Featured Answer

PRO

Amber Jeavons Ltd

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hello Sandra,

So the first thing is to identify that which only your tradesman can do.. The rest that you can deal with yourself or at a later date, you must discuss.. So you can phase the job accordingly.. My suggestion is to explain your position and how you need to see the job going. If he's good, he's not going to walk away but it's important to have communication all steps of the way... He should be happy to work with you not against you..

I am sure you will find a way forward! Another thing is to look at the budget for materials etc as there may be ways to make some savings that can be used elsewhere so to speak... So he may have to shop around but if it's a saving for you then it's worth it.. Also look at your options as you may have more than 1.. Speak now and then you can be better placed to make decisions about what, where and when.

: ))

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Comments (12)

Sandra Marshall
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks so much that is helpful. I see now that it is for me to write the schedule. The Bathroom fittings have been purchased, and this bathroom lay out is unchanged,so it should be quicker and cheaper, than the first where I got a bit fancy. He has tiled the other bathroom beautifully, but I do know another good tiler who may be cheaper, don't want to upset him tho.

The loft insulation is contaminated, for the second time with rat faeces, and must be removed, also to check for gaps into next door as we are in a semi.He has recommended an expensive foil type insulation for the loft, and this is a good idea, because if the rats were able to come back any damage would be visible, and that is really important. We want the loft boarded , and some simple plywood shelves and that seems like an extravagance in our straitened circus, but again it is about keeping things tidy so we can see any problems. And we really need ceilings, so I just don't know what we can live without, except the decorating and pretty new door handlesetc.

if anyone else out there has had a serious rat problem, any tips would be gratefully received. We think they were getting in through a redundant run from the drains which led into the cavity between the house and the extension, but not sure how they got into the loft.
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PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Sandra,

Glad it's helpful but let the builder write the schedule after you have spoken and he can give you a breakdown of costs... It's just a good idea to talk it over, so you both know where you are! Also re the rats... They may be going up inside the wall cavities.. Other than that I have no experience with the Rattus rattus... I do hope there is a humane way of sending them on their way..

Do you have a felis catus?

: ))
Sandra Marshall
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks again. We do have 2 cats and also 2 large dogs, but as you said, they are in the cavities. I am afraid that the rats were poisoned so not humane, but my wiring was a fatality waiting to happen and they carry very nasty diseases, so their welfare was not as important to me. There are less humane ways of dealing with them, a method called sticky boards which I can't even think about. Also, having watched my cats play with mice, poisoning may be kinder...
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Sandra,

Yes I have seen those in hardware shops.. Not nice but hopefully for you all will be well in that regard and that of your renovation.. : ))
Sandra Marshall thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
Jonathan
8 years ago
I feel for you guys. The cost of any job can escalate out of your control but obviously you don't have a bottomless pit and you need to talk to your builder about what is achievable in the remaining budget and then prioritise what you want/ need.
Sandra Marshall thanked Jonathan
tonygrice2
8 years ago
feel for you.. unfortunately my advice would of been do research into you builder.. talk to previous customers... now l would ask for what you have exactly paid for and what is completed on this and see if all work was needed and not made up and the price was reasonably priced if so.. was there a fixed price quote or estimated.. l see you replied to my first ever post.. sounds like l could of helped.. all work taken care of on a fixed price, bathrooms kitchens total renovation, as l say tall my potential customers my pictures are on facebook and you can talk to any of my customers.
Sandra Marshall
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for your comments. I know we should have got a quote, or an estimate, but no one knew what was needed until the areas had been exposed. I do believe that all the work has been necessary, and that the builder is honest. He charges 2 hundred pounds per day for labour, which may be expensive, we are in Leicestershire, but he is good at what he does. The issue for us is that we really don't know how far he will get before the money runs out, I think I need to have a proper conversation with him. Looking at stuff on here, some home owners seem to view builders with loathing and mistrust and think everything is a scam, I don't, but maybe I am too trusting. Fact is, he has cleared my house of rats, and made it secure, and after all we have been thru I am very grateful.
tonygrice2
8 years ago
yes rats have gone during works.. they should warranty no return..? and yes 200 a day but how much a day is completed.. a average total gut to back and joists of a three bed home.. new everything.. last one l did 7 8 weeks
tonygrice2
8 years ago
dont be afraid to talk about the work it's your money
tonygrice2
8 years ago
unfortunately there are some builders promise everything.. and deliver a shoddy job which the customer lives with and looks at every day ... l totally understand why they think that.. a good builder will only be paid at the end of the job or.. part payment installments stating exactly what stage you are at... and what you are paying for...
Lauren
8 years ago
Honesty is the best policy. Just sit down with him, say that you are very happy with the work done to date but lay the facts out for him. If he understands where you are at with your finances and then he should be able to help you formulate a plan to get the remaining work done within budget. Given you've already spent a considerable amount with him you're in a good position to negotiate, perhaps get him to write up all the costs to date and try and find a final price you'd both be happy with inclusive of the remaining work.

If you can't agree then explain you'll need to call a halt to the work and get some independent quotes to see if you can find someone cheaper. Nothing that's left is truly urgent so getting a number of tradespeople in to quote is both sensible and likely to save you money.
Sandra Marshall thanked Lauren

Running out of money fast.

Amber Jeavons Ltd

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