Builder walked out - feeling deflated

5 years ago

Been on our house renovation project since last June and many of you have followed my many posts asking for advice.

What I hadn’t mentioned fully until recently is the awful time and experience we have had with our builder and his crew.

The extension was supposed to have been finished by Xmas and it’s still a way off.
He disappeared before Xmas for two weeks (was supposed to be working to get the roof watertight) but eventually came back citing personal issues for his disappearance.

We gave him another chance - paid him more money to get the jobs finished and materials ordered in for internal boarding and he disappeared again. This is a couple of weeks ago and he never came back (left all his tools here as well!) so we emailed to say that we presume he’s not coming back and we wanted to officially call it a day as we need to get it finished and can’t wait any longer.

It’s honestly been an incredibly stressful and emotional time. Constant lies - increase in costs due to them having missed things out (like a main structural wall coming down!!) never turning up and working part time and now we have loads of jobs that are unfinished.

We have leaks when he did the roof where he’s foamed along the chimney and not leaded it up - they left a mess outside of rubbish and rubble that cost us £400 to move and the list goes on :0(
Just to fix all the things he missed on the roof is probably going to cost us another £1k which we hadn’t allowed for.

The worse thing is that they were recommended and seemed to be legitimate when we took them on. Turned up regularly to price - answered questions straight away etc etc. Seemed very confident and interested in the job. Just goes to show you that the best companies in the worlds can go to pot once personal issues take hold.

So we have a lot of mess to sort out and it’s a bit overwhelming and frustrating :0(
Worse as I work from home and find I’m waiting in for people who just don’t turn up.

So that’s my moan. I’m trying to be positive and cracking on with getting others in to do the work but sometimes it hard.

Featured Answer

Sonia

5 years ago

A few years ago my sister wanted new internal doors, so she contacted someone my brother had used on his building jobs. He quoted and then went off to Howdens to buy the doors. She never saw him again and she had given him money to buy the doors. She texted him and he came up with pathetic excuses. Not only had he worked for my brother but he was chums with our nephew! After more text messages that he never answered, her husband found him on Facebook and posted an angry rant on his page as well as his friends pages. Not what I would have done, but that night an envelope with her money was put through her letterbox. She later found out he had a gambling problem.

i think social media is a pretty good way to shame someone, but I do understand your hesitance. If he has a business Facebook page why not leave a review? These rogue traders shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it. Or just let it go (phew!) and move on, for your sanity if nothing else x

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (60)

kikiamack
5 years ago
I feel for you. A project like this is stressful enough even when work is going relatively smoothly. I was wondering whether you can claim on the original builders public liability insurance to recoup some of the money?
Martin
5 years ago
Sounds awful but based on the amount of questions you post on here you certainly seem to have the right attitude and will get there. When it's all finished perhaps you could add your own review of them online
Related Discussions
Have you ever locked yourself out?
Q
Comments (27)
Hello Tom, Yes sadly I have had experience with this... first of all my heart sank, it was getting late and nippy and I had just popped outside, shut the door and heard the "click" After sitting on the step waving my arms around, swearing at the top of my lungs and muttering at my idiocy. I decided that I could save the day... So off I went in search of friendly neighbours.... and more importantly their hangers... I decided rather ingeniously that I could fashion a hook to open the latch from the cat flap opening with the help of said hanger and my arm and body shoved up against the door and what I could fit through the cat flap, in painful and oddly fashion (which on obtaining hanger from friendly peeps down the road... I had opened out and created a loop..... I say ingeniously because shoving my head through the cat flap to a rather interested furry head and two eyes... saw how it could easily work and indeed it almost did! Problem was the latch was just that bit too heavy to spring open the door as planned... Swearing, tries, and more swearing and a arm nearly take out of it's socket endured for about half an hour... My cat did not lend a paw and so... heart sinking again.. I set off once again in search of friendly neighbours.... and their phone... This time however, they were closer to home and upstairs having some grub. A chap was called and a chat and an hour or so later... Someone arrived...... Well................ what was used was known as "The flexible friend" Yes folks........ The Barclaycard!... And no......... it wasn't mine by which to pay for his expertise, jiggery pokery, costly and lengthy tinkering and extensive toolkit!!!!.... It was in fact the tool kit!!!! 1 wave of it in the lock and "Open Sesame" my door sprang open, like it was never closed.. $**£%$3%!!!!! I grinned inanely whilst shuddering at the thought of it... My innocent smiles did not save me a buck (as thinking it was so easy, I would be "let off" without the fee)... Sadly I thought wrong.. I almost needed my Barclaycard to pay for it... So the moral of the story is this... When you're a spastic... just get the plastic!! ........(and then hide it in a plant pot, along with a snifter you'll need when the realisation hits that you've been had! :)) (The door in the story is no more!) :) )
...See More
Running out of money fast.
Q
Comments (12)
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.
...See More
Layout ideas for 1960's house with 1990s extension
Q
Comments (9)
E D not sure why there wasn't an option to personalise my user name it just gave it to me! Jonathan thank you so much for your detailed drawing it had never occurred to us to think about that layout which is why we posted on here Our house is built on a hill so our extension floor level is up around 1.5m and you have caught the shape down the side of our garage perfectly so would that all add to the cost of the build The layout does definitely give us something to think about as it wouldn't iinterfere with the light in our main living space and would be nice to have the option of the shower in there too
...See More
Small bathroom layout please help! Urgent before builder murders me!
Q
Comments (30)
Hi guys, I am back again with a bathroom query, I have an image attached. I really don't like the current layout for this bathroom and I'm thinking if we move the toilet to the wall on the left under the sink and put the bathroom vanity where the toilet currently is so that this is the first thing the person sees when the door is open. Do you think this works? Again advice is hugely appreciated. I honestly had no idea finalising bathrooms would be so difficult, and the support I have received on Houzz has been the best of any professional I have met so far so thank you all! Any questions please do let me know!
...See More
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
@Martin - that made me laugh, ha ha. I do post an awful lot of questions, I know ;0)
It’s been such a big project and it’s over budget so I get a bit scared of doing it wrong and want to make sure I didn’t miss things.

If I EVER do another house up (and someone chastise me in future if I do!) then I will have learned a lot from this project at least.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
@kiki - I don’t think his liability would cover him walking out as we just had an agreed quote and not a signed formal contract as such.
It’s for the best as he’s just left so many jobs unfinished.

We are here now covered in dust and doing a load of jobs ourselves to save money (my back isn’t thanking me!!) and with all the help from you guys on here, I’m working out what needs doing and what to ask for to get it all finished so it’s a lot more positive :0)
obobble
5 years ago
Tani, normally your architect would be a good source of recommendations for alternative tradesmen but I think I spotted on another of your posts that they had disappeared also?
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Ha ha, yes! Well remembered!
It was one of the tradesman that told me as I mentioned her name and he said that she had been working on another job and had messed it up and just disappeared on them as she did to us. Not sure if she went back to her home country or not but we haven’t had much luck with this renovation.

I would normally start to think it was us - but it’s really not. I mean, I can be a bit indecisive faced with lots of options but I’m not THAT much of a pain, ha ha ha
Sonia
5 years ago
How awful for you Tani, but you are right, this sort of thing does happen all the time. My brother (you know the builder!) has recommended people to me that he uses on site and knows well, but even they sometimes don’t turn up and let you down. I tell my brother and he gets annoyed. It’s not the way he works. Shame you're not in Herts, he wouldn’t let you down! If it’s any help, I find local town Facebook groups very good for finding tradesmen. Hope things improve for you x
Anthony (Beano)
5 years ago
So sorry to hear of your problems, if I was near id be round to help, sadly I’m in Ireland, you always seemed to upbeat on here, even when you had issues! Guess everyone has his breaking point :-( chin up tani, it will get sorted, I know it might seem it wornt at time but you’ll get there :-)
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks :0)

I got a roofer I’ve used before who is on Facebook to come and sort the issues out. He says he has to do a good job otherwise he would get slated on FB and lose business, ha ha.

I got recommended this builder from Facebook as well- but at the time, the guy’s father was running the company and it was fine. So it’s just bad luck really.
T Gray
5 years ago
Really sorry to hear about this Tani. Nothing I can add that has not been said above, so wishing you all the best and hope it will all come good for you.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
It gets worse and I’m feeling v low at the moment.
The electrician took a big job on and is basically saying he hasn’t got time to come and finish the job.
Not only not finish it - but he’s not even finished first fix and we have no plan, no idea what half the cables are for and some have live wires sticking out :0(
He was paid for first fix so now we are going to have to try and find another electrician who can make sense of what has been done and also have to pay them again for finishing it off.

If anyone can recommend an electrician in the FY area who is reasonable priced and would take the job in then let me know
Jules Mc
5 years ago
So sorry to hear how you've been repeatedly let down. Extending/renovating is stressful enough when everything is going well!!
Have yo thought about putting a call out on your Facebook local community page? When 5 or so people recommend the same eletrician (or other trade) you're usually onto something a bit more of a sure thing. All good wishes to you - hope things look brighter soon x
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi Jules,

Well he is on there unfortunately so I don’t want him to start commenting on it. Also the builders were recommended via my local group so I might avoid that now, ha ha.

I know, it’s just one thing after another (rolls eyes)
Patrina
5 years ago
So sorry to hear that yet again another tradesperson has let you down. I don't even know what to say to you at this point. Just know that there are good honest tradespeople out there who not only care about the job but also their reputation and is not just chasing a bigger job and more money. I hope your find someone who will see this job through to completion. Big Virtual Hug x
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks @Patrina.

He’s left live wires in the room as well (as my plasterer discovered!!)

He also says he’s out of pocket on it which I find impossible to believe as he’s not even done half the things on the first fix list and only added 2 extra lights so far.
minnie101
5 years ago
God Tani it just gets worse.

don't know if this helps but you can search for a registered electrician on here

http://www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk/About-Us

I assume the other electrician was registered? If so there must be some kind of recourse if he's left the house in a dangerous state. If you confirm will try and find more info but I'm just googling so no knowledge :( It may be best to start a new post and someone will know the answer.

re other recommendations, are you on next door? I used that for my bathroom fitter but then looked at Facebook reviews

https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/find-an-electrician/building-regulations/england/
Sonia
5 years ago
Oh no I’m sorry Tani. What rotten luck. I do know a fabulous electrician called Martin Littlewood but he’s down in Hertfordshire. I had to book him 6 months ahead of time as he was so busy and so popular. I hope you get someone soon x
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
@minnie - yes he’s a legit registered company but also happened to be good friends with the builder/joiner who left. So just as reliable and useless!!
Unfortunately he was contracted to him and not to us so apart from the spec (which hasn’t even been half completed), I don’t know anything else ie pricing etc etc.

I have no plan of anything either - it’s all such a mess :0(

Wish wine would make it better, LOL!
Jules Mc
5 years ago
My first instinct was to bring it on and let people recommend him. I'm sure there are some perfect emoji replies you could use without having to say anything else!!
But I'm sure you really don't need the hassle. Hope the link Minnie has recommended, along with other suggestions can help you move forwards.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
@Jules - ha ha, yes, that would be fun ;0)

Will definitely check out that link in the meantime Minnie.

Trying to get some other recommendations from other workers we have had in that are also reliable. It’s just the money side of things is bad with it all - probably repaying for everything twice at this rate
minnie101
5 years ago
Ok so if he's registered here's the link to the complaint process, I think it would be worth a call at least even though it's probably not your priority ATM.

i would try searching for a new one on there but also ask the 2 good trades you've got in now for recommendations

Yeah, you should have prioritised the building of the wine storage!

https://www.niceic.com/find-a-contractor/complaints
Nina Edgewood
5 years ago
Can't give you any advice that hasn't been recommended already, but we have been in your exact situation last year. We did find an electrician to finish the job in the end and I promise it will be worth the pain! You'll probably find, like us, that you have found fantastic tradesmen in all aspects of home renovation just at the point you never want to do anymore work ever again! And wine definitely helps!
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
@Nina - that will indeed be the case! Ha ha. I said this to my OH and he just glared at me. Think we will end up getting divorced if I try and do another reno LOL
kikiamack
5 years ago
If you check out the Citizens Advice website, I think you have a good case for reporting him to Trading Standards as he has left your home in a dangerous state. I know this is just more hassle, but if you tell the electrician this is what you intend to do, and if he cares about his business at all, he might decide it is worth his while to make the work safe or give you a refund.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you. It might be something I will have to look into if we have any issues :0(
The issue we have is that he was contracted to the main contractor- so we don’t have any formal with him at all.
I’ve had to try and ask him to sign off the crap work he did upstairs for us (new wiring in the bedroom) - and I saw crap because we have lights that flicker all the time and he couldn’t be bothered to sort those out either. Long list really.
He blames the timescale on how long it all took (thanks to his rubbish friend) but that’s no excuse to leave a job half finished. Timescales change for various reasons and he knows it’s not our fault either - he just doesn’t care.

Got another one coming tomorrow to have a look and a few more numbers to call so fingers crossed!
Martin
5 years ago
Did you pay him directly or through the builder? If it's direct I would certainly be kicking up a fuss on facebook and wherever else.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
@Martin - it was via the builder unfortunately :0(
Although for the upstairs I paid him separately for the extras.

It’s all such a farce - never known anything like it! (Rolls eyes)
Martin
5 years ago
Do you know if the builder paid him in full for the first fix, did you ever run through him the list of jobs that needed doing once the builder had done a runner? I'd probably still post something, he shouldn't just clear off half way through the job. Shouldn't be taking money for extras if he isn't going to be able to complete the original brief.

Keep going anyway. Plenty of these tradespeople seem to just do what they want on a whim.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes I know he paid him in full because when he did a runner at Xmas (the first time), I contacted the electrician and he said not to worry as the first fix was more than covered. When the builder came back, he said he had paid him the majority as first fix was always more costly due to all the material costs.

Obviously I have no record of costings for it all. I only have the spec and I went through it last night and half the stuff is missed off. He’s only added a couple more cables for extra lights but not done first fix in the new lounge or utility or bathroom! So loads left :0(

We are out thousands now on the whole job and having to put right some of the things the builder messed up.

The worrying thing is that this seems to be the norm for most people having building work done and there doesn’t seem to be any come back for bad workmen. If someone steels something from a shop then the police will come and they will possibly go to court or get a fine etc.
If a builder commits fraud and takes your money without producing goods or a service then you have to take them to court yourself and often get nowhere! So unfair.

Having a rant helps as I know most of you have experienced the same thing so can relate. Felt awful yesterday but woke up starting afresh and hopefully will find someone better and more reliable
Pavan123
5 years ago
This massively sucks Tani, but I would just pay to rectify the issues as the impact on your stress levels can be enormous. It took me a year to recover from renovating our bathrooms. Thankfully they never did a runner but it took nearly 6 months to do 2 bathrooms. The main guy was suffering with depression and once things started slipping it just became such a long, drawn out process. I’m based in Macclesfield, and now know some excellent tradesmen if you are near by. Definitely threaten to complain and things like that often are enough to get things going for you, particularly with the electrician. Really hope things get better for you as your ideas on here sound fab, and I’m sure the end product will look fab xx
Tani H-S thanked Pavan123
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
eek @Pavan - 6 months for 2 bathroom is a heck of a long time! Same issue with my contractor. I guess some people manage it differently ie I throw myself into my work and like to keep busy but others don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Difficult when it's your own business and you were very patient
Juliet Docherty
5 years ago
God, sounds like you are having a nightmare. What town are you in? I have had good and bad tradesmen over the years but one thing is for sure where we live (Cambridge) - people who work for the colleges are always reliable. Don't suppose you live in a University town do you?
rachelmidlands
5 years ago
Oh Tani, been reading all your woes and sending lots of virtual hugs to you. X. Not done any major reno myself yet but can certainly sympathize. My mums plumber just seems to turn up when he feels like it with no warning and she’s asked if he can recommend a builder for alterations...in my head I’m thinking nooooo! Not to mention issues with their car....long story:(. Do know a decent electrician, we’re in Stoke tho so not sure he’d travel up to yours. He even asked hubby if he could build his son a gaming computer for xmas, not hubbys usual line of work but since he was paying, couldn’t really refuse...feels strange when a tradesmen hands you over a bundle of cash. Do hope things get sorted out for you in the end, and yes, post some reviews as it might get some reaction.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
@colourhappy - no - near the seaside! Ha ha
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
@forzaitalia - Oo she was lucky then with the door money. You never know what goes on behind closed doors and someone reliable and good at their job (as our builder/joiner apparently was! ?!?) can go downhill when personal issues get involved.
We haven’t heard anything from him at all and still have all his tools here.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks @rachel . We were lucky in our last place and aside from a huge bill from the electrician which was a surprise, we had a good joiner and plumber etc. We did ask him to price this job up but he never did and I guess he was too busy at the time or maybe it was too big for him - who knows.
Danielle H
5 years ago
How frustrating!! What annoys me most is my dad is in the trade, left school and was trained by Jarvis in joinery (hardly anyone seems to call themselves a joiner anymore!) He is a perfectionist and can do pretty much anything. He’s gone to quote for jobs time and time again and been undercut by others who then balls it up and the people then ask my dad in to put it right for as little money as possible. Not saying you paid less so got a crappy job but it’s frustrating there are trades people out there who are reliable, take pride in their work and don’t sell themselves cheap. I’m lucky that my dads done both of my renovations for me (he passed his perfectionist genes to me so we’re on the same wavelength but sometimes he curses me for it haha!)
Unfortunately for my dad he’s due a full hip replacement due to wear and tear from his line of work and he’s been told he cannot return to manual labour. He’s gutted as he absolutely loves it.
So heads up Tani, hopefully you’ll find someone like my dad who won’t let you down and creates the home of your dreams. Best of luck!
Gabby Wong
5 years ago
Awww Tani, I’m so sorry to hear about your latest saga... more virtual hugs being sent your way.
Another place you could try looking is which? Sign up for a trial month for £1 and you can see recommended local tradesmen.

It’s really disgraceful that you’ve been left in such an unsafe way! I’d definitely complain/leave fb feedback or something (tho I appreciate its easier to say to do it rather than actually do it!)

I know you’ll get there in the end! And for what it’s worth from all the different bits I’ve seen I think it’ll look amazing when it is done!
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
@Danielle - Oo you are very lucky to have a dad who is a good joiner! Bit jealous, ha ha.

Some of the guys working with him said he was really good and I guess the pressure he was under meant he started making mistakes and didn’t want to be here. It’s shocking really - even without the live wires, ha ha ha.
He doesn’t really operate on Facebook and I believe he’s got a job fitting kitchens so pointless leaving a review.
Years ago I would have done as I hate unjust things - but I find with all the stress I have trying to sort it out, it’s best to just let it go. Obviously if he owed us a heck of a lot of money or the building was falling down then that would be another matter!
hapiak
5 years ago
How’s the build going Tani?

Hope things have improved.

We are on 4th week without kitchen .. worktops getting fitted 15th so should be working from then! Just working out which way to lay floor tiles (wood effect karndean) initially was herringbone style .. but now straight lay - got to watch the budget as everything is going up.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi! Ah thanks for asking. Yes it’s getting there slowly :0)

We have a working kitchen now so just sorting out the utility bit.

Still waiting for some plastering to be done in the new lounge (waiting forever!) and the floor to be patched up so it can be screeded by the floor guy.
Not even started choosing the LVT yet :0/ - definately going for a wood effect but not sure if going grey or natural wood or a mix of the two?. Would have loved herringbone but too expensive labour cost wise so probably just go for planks. Boo. Lol
hapiak
5 years ago
That’s great news! We’ve had nearly every room in the house plastered .. all new windows/doors and flooring. The new en-suites are working. The main bathroom has only been decorated to keep my sanity .. it will be my next project when everything else is done. Paving in the garden in a couple of weeks .. it’s none stop isn’t it?!? I’ve still not found a big light fitting for the vaulted ceiling :-0
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
I know, ha ha. Our paving is hopefully starting this week.
Lighting will get left until the last thing I think now as will decorate first and see what will work best.
Not even started on the downstairs bathroom, eek.
Will have been renovating non stop for a year in May/June :0/ A year of my life wasted, ha ha
hapiak
5 years ago
Not wasted - it will be great. Plus you will have lots of anecdotes to share!
Our decorator has been amazing.. just told me all bathrooms and bedrooms will be finished today! Yay!
hapiak
5 years ago
Which paving did you decide on in the end?
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Paving for outside - I think grey limestone? They wanted to put the black stuff as shows less marks but it’s a bit harsh so not sure. Getting samples today apparently
Just not looking forward to keeping it clean as he messed up and originally told me it was slate (rolls eyes) Just another issue to add to the list!

I have to decorate everything myself as the OH wont let me pay for a decorator as I can paint. Boo. It’s just getting the will to do it now, ha ha.
Can’t wait for it to be all done though as just want to enjoy it and have some weekends back ;0)
hapiak
5 years ago
All the best .. I’m tired now and we’ve done the whole house and two extensions .. but only started beginning of Nov so mustn’t grumble. Two young children and a dog has made it a different experience to last time - don’t touch that! Is that paw prints in the concrete? Etc. We may be going Indian sandstone but we shall see.
Tani H-S
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes it’s exhausting. This is the third house we have done but the only extension. Only got 2 dogs and trying to train them not to jump up at the new kitchen units before they get replaced with the new doors (have to all be remade as faulty) LOL.
Wonder what I will do when I have spare time ;0)
hapiak
5 years ago
Oh dear!!!
We will have our homes back soon .....

Builder walked out - feeling deflated

Comments (60)

Related Discussions

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

Tani H-SOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author

Tani H-S
Original Author