Help ! Builder has cocked up - pictures

[Doneuplikeakipper]

I'm having a new patio and path done in my garden but I'm so upset with what has been done today.
I was out all day until late, so didn't see the builder. I was having the path edged in the same bricks as the wall around the patio but had a quick look when I got home (it was dark) and the edging is a totally different colour. I was meant to have 2 steps up to the grass but only have one which is too high.
I've already parted with £4k , what can I do? I think the owner of the company, who just drops the builder off and then disappears, is going to give me a load of bull as to why it's like this.

Sorry pictures didn't load

Well, they will have to redo then. Is the edging supposed to be red brick, rather than grey? And the step thing is a bit no no. You will have to call the builder tomorrow and dont let the guy do anything until you have. This is why it is never helpful to have to be out when builders are around.

Yes the edging is supposed to be red brick, I had no choice but to go out, it was a business trip.

That’s poor. Do you have anything in writing? Does the builder only have a mobile number or a website, registered company number or otherwise compliant with the Business Names Act?

Was it clearly specified in the contract ?
When the bricks were delivered were you out?

If there was a reason it had to be like that, then they should have told you before they did it. Do not accept the bull.

They need to sort that.

If you have problems with the builder, contact the Trading Standards Officer at your local council.

The builder is vat registered so I took him to be legitimate, he was recommended by a colleague. We agreed everything verbally and it was confirmed when I spoke to the chap actually doing the work.

I was out today when the bricks were delivered. I was at home when the brick wall and patio slabs were laid and am happy with them.

Is 4k the full amount or only part of the final amount?

If only part of the final amount, don't give anymore payments until sorted.

Try to get some communication in writing e.g. texts, as would be helpful if you needs to take action e.g small claims court

Text builder first thing. Have you anything in writing about bricks to be used

£4k isn't the full amount, I have got text messages that I've saved saying they would build 2 steps . The brick colour was decided verbally, he said he would do it so that it matched the bricks round the patio.

It's good that you haven't paid the full amount as you can hold back anymore payments until the problem is fixed! And if they refuse to fix the problem, you can call in another company to fix it.

Verbal agreements are also binding- they need to provide the right colour bricks.

Hopefully the owner of the company is decent and fixes the problem without issues!

Check his VAT number on this link: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number

If his VAT number is not recognised expect him to be very difficult. If he does not worry about HMRC he is not going to worry a jot about you.

Hope you manage to get it sorted

His vat number is recognised. Hes just called me to say that he and the bricklayer are ill and won't be coming today. I've said I'm not happy with it and it needs redoing.

Are you sure it is finished and not being lined/topped with red ones?

@LIZS definitely finished. His lad is here taking them up .

Well that's good. Still don't part with any money til the job is done

Taking them up to replace with the correct red brick?
Hopefully you’re videoing what’s happening.

Lesson of the day: get it in writing.

Hopefully taken up to replace correctly now.

@Glumhumdrum yes absolutely, lesson learnt. Another chap , who sometimes works for him, dropped his lad off to have a clear up, had a look and said it was awful.

If the brickie is ill it could just be a mistake - we've all made mistakes and got things wrong when under the weather. There's no drama, despite some posters going straight for the nuclear options!

Forgetting to build 2 steps , ordering the wrong bricks and making the path wonky is not really a mistake.

Does anyone know about paths etc, I've had another look and realised that the path isn't flush with the grass so I'll have to lift the lawn mower over it to get to the grass either side . Also he is now saying he won't put edging stones along the edge of the path, he's just going to put some topsoil along and throw some grass seed down but that leaves the messy edges showing.
I could cry.