Advice regarding work done in our home

[RollOnSpringTime]

I've changed my name for this.

We asked for a quote from a workman and accepted it. The work is in two parts. Part A was taking something down (think small scale demolition work) and was done but without care (furniture has been dented and scratched for example because items were carelessly put on and against them) and an area of expensive flooring which should have been protected by sheets wasn't covered, despite me asking several times as he said it wasn't necessary as he'd clean up repeatedly through the day, which he did. Even so, the floor was left with lots of residue in it (I have evidence of this) and will have to be cleaned now, either professionally or by us hiring a machine. I have photos to show the mess on the floor, taken when he was outside so he cant say that he protected the floor during the work. A good, experienced builder we often employ said to me later on that it was crucial that this area of flooring was protected. The workman should have done it from the outset.

I want to pay the workman for the agreed amount for the work he did and not have him back for Part B. If he got that wrong, he would cost us hundreds of pounds which includes materials dh and I are getting from a third party. I don't fancy pursuing him for these costs legally, I want out now.

Dh proposes to speak to him before he is due to come back for Part B and get him to see that he ought to have protected the floor, especially after I asked him to and provided extra so that there was no question of him not having it to be able to use. Also I think he'll show him the dents and scratches to several different items of furniture in the room. (During the day, I pointed out when I could see damage being done and asked him not leave stuff where it was as it was likely to cause damage.) If the workman then says all the right things (Sorry, I didn't think it was necessary/didn't realise/etc), dh thinks we are obliged to let the second piece of work carry on as we've accepted the quote.

Does anyone know where we stand legally? Should we seek legal advice? He might pursue us legally if we don't let him do Part B even if we buy from him the item he has already ordered for the job. This item is incredibly basic and he'll need to use it for all his other jobs in this one trade, anyway, but I want to be fair.

Any advice gratefully appreciated.

[Chirpychick2010]

I would say that if he has done such a poor job to start with and this was relatively simple he has no respect for you as you have asked him to do something and he hasn't and has little or no respect for your home what sort of respect or pride will he have for the job he is doing for you! Cowboy builders or DIY SOS here you come if you continue to let this man work on your home ! Cab I think would be my next step and I would point out to dh that you had asked him to do x and if builder didn't listen to you then but says right things to your dh about what happened and is going to happen does that mean your opinion counts for nothing with this man and will your dh be three to issue instructions? As he obviously isn't listening to you!

[RollOnSpringTime]

Thank you for your post. Dh is going to meet the man today and show him the photo I took and say that it is unacceptable. He won't be coming to do the remainder of the work now. I am so relieved that I don't have to have him here again after today.

[Chirpychick2010]

I can understand why I'm a painter and decorator by profession and I'd never dream of disrespecting someone's home like that! Good luck finding a decent replacement just be selective and try to use accredited workmen or from some one you know who have recommended them x

[RedHelenB]

Maybe it would have been advisable to clear the room yourself though in retrospect?

[crazycarol]

Do you have house insurance? Very often you get legal advice included with it, and it would be worth a call. We had problems and our insurance co legal advice helped us draft a letter which soon sorted it out.

[redlac]

I would have moved your furniture out of the way before he started and insisted and stood over him as he protected the floor. If the work is not up to standard then don't get him back for part 2