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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not want to pay?

28 replies

MatchesinEyes23 · 11/11/2024 15:45

We hired a builder to update our bathroom, not a huge job (fairly quick replacement of stuff, some handyman/paint jobs Included too). I estimated that it should take no more than a month to finish.
From the start, said builder was completely unreliable. He went from doing a full week, to doing a couple of days, to popping in once a week for an hour or two and pottering around. He was clearly fitting us in around other jobs. All whilst me and my family haven’t got a proper bathroom to use!! Towards the end of the project, we’d have weeks of him not turning up, then he’d turn up on a random Tuesday without notice (he has a set of keys).
The bathroom is now 98% done - we are fully using it again. Builder left in early Sept and has not been back since! No mention of coming back to finish, no mention of requesting final payment - we owe £3k of the balance.
I’ve not chased him since, I thought CF has taken 6 months to do a 1 month job! He’s now got back in touch mid-Nov to finish the final small bits and (I presume) collect payment. WWYD? I feel like he’s messed us around so much I almost don’t want to pay him the full whack for the job. DP just wants to pay and get rid of him, get keys back etc.

OP posts:
SatansBobbleheadedDashboardOrnament · 11/11/2024 15:49

The time he's taken and flakiness is a piss-take but you can't just not pay him. If you don't want him back, take 2% off the bill and settle the rest of the payment. You aren't going to get a huge discount if you bring this up with him and you'll be asking for a world of pain if you refuse to pay.

Outtherelookingin · 11/11/2024 15:49

JustMarriedBecca · 11/11/2024 15:47

Check your contract

There obviously isn't one.

OP I'd just pay him and be done but only if you're 100% happy. Otherwise tell him you won't be paying in full until XYZ snagging is done. Then leave an honest review online of your experience. Get your key back straight away next time he comes.

JustMarriedBecca · 11/11/2024 15:47

Check your contract