AIBU builders using my stuff

[Toofewshoes]

We have had builders here for the last couple of months doing some work in the garden, building a new retaining wall and laying new paving slabs. During the course of this work the builders have accidentally turned off the full chest freezer in the garage over a weekend, used our extension lead, wheelbarrow and hose as well as our garden tools. The wheel barrow and hose is knackered and attachment now broken. We are settling the bill soon as work is coming to an end and I wondered if I should tell them that I am knocking off the price of a new wheel barrow (£60) and new hose and spray bit (£30) as well as the cost of the contents of the freezer which I estimated to be about £100, which was discussed at the time. Overall I am happy with their work but not sure if I should be shouldering the cost of these other things. Thanks.

That sounds very reasonable to me.
I would speak to them first to tell them that this is what you are intending to do so it doesn't come as a surprise.

Reasonable imo.

But I wouldn't mention it until all the work is done and signed off. Otherwise they mightn't finish it.

I also wouldn't mention it until you know what the final bill is, no point in giving them a heads up to 'tweak' the amount to cover your claimed losses.

I deducted from a bill a few years ago when damage was done to garden plants and a hose fitting went missing, I checked with Trading Standards that this was ok to do and they fully supported it. They advised to sent payment by recorded post with a 'full and final payment' type of accompanying letter.

Have you told them about the damage as each thing has occurred? I don't think it would be reasonable to suddenly announce you're deducting almost £200 from your agreed price if this is the first time they hear about the wheelbarrow, hose etc.
Also, a 'full and final payment' letter would not be upheld in court unless you also have a mandate from the builder confirming they accept the payment as full and final.

Thank you for your comments. I have mentioned the wheelbarrow to the labourer who has been using it and the hose attachement that they left on the garden wall and said sorry for braking.

I will bring it up with the main guy when we have a final chat tomorrow.

Former builder here. I've worked in the past on many peoples homes and find it unbelievable that a builder wouldn't have brought their own equipment like a wheelbarrow, a pretty common thing to use on-site for the sort of work you have described! I would certainly mention that you're not happy that they have wrecked it, any reputable tradesmen would have already replaced it or indicated that they would do so if you'd agreed to let them use it.

Sometimes if a customer has something you could use (hose is a great example as water is always needed) and they're happy for you to use it the golden rule is to always treat it with respect and if the unfortunate thing happens and a breakage occurs then always make the customer aware of it and replace like for like. If they don't do that then certainly I'd demand compensation for it.

Get the bill first then mention it, otherwise they will just increase the bill accordingly.

Let them finish first.

For goodness sake don't tell them until you have the bill, or they'll just bump it up by the extra amount.

Cross post!