How would you approach this?

[FizzyPink]

DP has an uncle who is a builder/general handyman. I’ll admit straight away, there are things he’s done previously in our flat which I think he’s done a terrible job of so this probably clouds my opinion of him and I’d prefer to use someone else.

DP has been wanting to get our garden done for about a year as it’s totally open onto the road so quite unusable and we decided this summer we would do it. Essentially the job is to clear the current pebbles, level the soil, put down artificial grass and put up fencing. Probably a weeks work in total.

At the beginning of lockdown DP contacted his uncle to ask if he’d be happy to do it as it’s easily accessed from the street and no need to come inside the house. He replied a very short sharp message about it being too difficult to get materials. Fair enough. A few weeks later DP contacted him again and asked if he could recommend someone else to do it as we are really keen to get it done but understand if he’s not able to. His uncle replied that if we could wait a few weeks he could come and have a look.

It’s now been 3 weeks since he came and measured and he’s apparently still waiting on a quote for the artificial grass. However, the whole time it’s just been a hassle having to keep chasing him.

I want to find another builder, get a quote and get it done. The money isn’t really an issue, I just want to be able to use the garden before the end of the summer! However DP now feels he’s in an awkward position after asking his uncle to do it and thinks he’ll be offended if we find someone else. I understand that but the uncle clearly isn’t interested in doing it and it’s getting ridiculous how long we’ve been waiting and I can just imagine how long it’ll take for him to actually order the materials and start the work. I genuinely think if we didn’t chase him it would never happen.

So what would you recommend we do?

Tell your DH that whilst he is bothered about pissing off his uncle said uncle has had no issue inconveniencing you.

He gets cancelled and you get another, more reliable contractor in.

Never get guilted into hiring family who have already underwhelmed...

Get a couple of quotes and if you're happy with one of them, book them in to do the work and let the uncle know that as you hadn't heard from him you're going ahead with someone else.

With any trade, if you have to chase them then it's 99.9% certain they don't want to do the job.

Why don't you just tell DP you're not happy with the guy's work?

I think getting another quote might be the way to go. I’ve just had a look on Trusted Trader and there seems to be lots of able businesses in our area for the job so it shouldn’t be difficult.

I did say at the beginning of this that he didn’t seem keen so maybe let’s find someone else which is why DP asked if he could recommend someone else. However he did also say something to DP about not being sure what to do as the artificial grass doesn’t come big enough for our garden in one strip so I do wonder if he’s actually not sure how to do it so perhaps he’ll be relieved if we find someone else.

My neighbour tradesman was also having difficulty getting the materials he needed so the uncle is likely telling the truth.

He may also need to get high paying jobs in to pay his own bills so may not be able to prioritise doing you a mates rates job as the more profitable stuff needs to come first.

Get a couple of quotes. Before you accept go back to the uncle and say you need the works done now and see what he says. I’d he says he can’t do it or is woolly about timings tell him you need it done so you can use it in the summer and if he has other stuff that has to get done first you totally get it but if you find someone that can start now is that cool with him. And then he can’t say he’s not been given ample opportunity.

I wouldn't give him another opportunity to do the job, especially not as the OP doesn't want him to do it.

If you are uncomfortable in approaching him now, how are you going to be if you're not happy with his work ?

I know, it’s so awkward because DP seems a bit oblivious to it all because it’s his uncle. I didn’t live here at the time but a few years ago he laid the kitchen floor tiles and they’re totally wonky, to the extent guests have commented on them! He’s a bit of a jack of all trades with not much actual skill.
I think I need to just bite the bullet and tell DP we’re getting some other quotes. I’ve sent out a couple of messages this afternoon and had quite a lot of response already so obviously people are interested in the work!