AIBU to sack my builder!?

[Shesthebeat]

I employed a builder at the beginning of November to renovate our bathroom for us, he caught wind that we were away for a week at the end of November so suggested it would be a good idea for the work to be done then which would equally cause minimum disruption for us = perfect!

Except, he didn't do the work when we were away, and fobbed me off all week saying his Ex was in labour and in turn he was caring for his daughter so couldn't work, I fell for it, that was until I discovered this couldn't be further from the truth with thanks to Facebook!

I give him an ultimatum and told him unless he started the following Monday I would give the job to someone else, he phoned me and explained he could start Monday but would only be able to attend Monday & Thursday as his ex was still in labour and his parents had gone to Barbados (elaborate I know!) and left him with no childcare. I accepted this provided he worked as normal from yesterday, except when he was leaving he dropped a bombshell to DP that again he wouldn't be returning until Thursday, by the time DP registered what he said and closed the front door said builder had driven off 😡 I'm fuming but accepted the fact, that was until I've just driven home from my parents and spotted the builder & his van parked outside another house doing work!!!! 😡😡😡

I feel like I give him an inch and he's taken a mile, I'm so angry with myself for allowing this to happen.

Now I don't know what to do, part of me wants to phone him and ask what the hells going on, DP thinks it's none of my business as to why the builders at the other house for all I know it could be a family members (fair point I guess) & my parents think I should confront him face to face Thursday but I'm not sure I feel comfortable doing so!

By the way, the original agreement when he was booked was that it was approx 1 weeks work and he would be working days, it's since changed to he's working evenings through to the night and we are now in week 3 including the first week when he was a no show!

Should I sack him? Will I be able to find someone else so close to Christmas to carry out the half completed job? Prob not! How can I make him understand I mean business and I want this finished!!!

I know this will shock you but his workmanship is second to none which is why I feel he has me over a barrel!

I'd probably stick with it if I was you. The truth is anyone available at this short notice prob isn't great and if the work is good it's worth it. I'd drop him an email and ask for a revised timeline though,

That poor woman. Sounds like longest labour ever!

It doesn't really matter what he's doing or where he is. He said he would be with you but isn't there doing the work and that should be the focus of your discussion.

If you can find someone else then get rid. If you're not fussed or can't get someone you might want to rethink you're plan.

It's common for builders to take on several jobs at a time. We had the same issue when we had our bathroom done. He should sub contract someone else to help him out. Have you paid anything yet? I think you'll struggle to find anyone else to do it this close to xmas. How much is left to do?

I'd email/text with a deadline like 7 working days. It'll get done, just not in the timescale originally promised. In my experience builders always underestimate time scales and costs to get the job.

If he really buggers you about start telling a few truths about his service on social media. He won't want bad feedback being out there.

Oh what a mess I've got myself into 🙈 I agree tho his poor ex I'm surprised she's still alive after almost three weeks of labour & still no pregnancy? Baby, I mean baby!

No minge, not paid a penny yet!

Think you've hit the nail on the head with what you've said, he's def trying to juggle numerous jobs and unfortunately that's to a detriment to me!

Bath is in, and tiling started so still a fair bit to go!

Keep very clear records of the timeline - when he said he would work and when he actually did. It sounds like you've been very patient so far so give him a polite but firm statement of your expectations - under the circumstances giving him another week to finish would be more than generous - and if he continues to take the piss, retain a portion of his final payment for the inconvenience. It doesn't sound like replacing him is a viable solution but he shouldn't treat people like this.

I think this bullshit behaviour is unacceptable, and in years of doing vast amounts of home improvements, I've not put up with it. You can find someone who does quality work, shows up when he says he would, gets the job done on time & on budget,
.Don't put up with less. Sack & move on, lesson learned

That's what has got me the most the lies I think, if he had been honest and said he was juggling jobs and give me a clearer picture then of course it would of been my choice as to whether I continued to use him or not, but nope, he lied again!

I forgot to mention another factor as to why I'm hesitant to sack him, he's slightly dishy & I quite enjoy watching him work whilst I take him cups of tea...I need to get a grip I know!!!

I just don't know whether to phone him now and call his bluff, do I confront him with an ultimatum, do I say thanks but no thanks?

Should I say it face to face Thursday night as there's more chance of him being honest face to face? I just feel so awkward incase he squirms, what would I do? I need to get some balls! 🙈

Probably a dumb idea, but could you knock at the house you saw him parked at, tell them you're looking for a builder and ask if he's any good/for his contact details. Then you'll know for sure if he's lying and leaving you to do other jobs.

I could yes, but I would need super big girl pants for that plus he's probably still there 🙈🙈

While dishiness is obviously the best reason to hire a builder, I think you need to be a bit firmer. Beware of issuing an ultimatum without a cast iron plan B in place in case he calls your bluff and harness some of that fury you felt at seeing his van at the other house! He's not your friend, he's someone who is taking your hard earned cash without keeping up his end of the deal. Tell him you're pissed off and you want it done and quick. And then make sure you're available for arse gazing for the next few days ;).

I'm gonna have to do it Thursday when he comes here as I have no right to say how he spends his time when he's not here I guess.

I'm gonna be firm with him, and say it needs to be completed ASAP.

Just drove past the same house as I did yesterday & whose van is outside again!? Only my sodding builders 🙈 By the time tomo comes I'll be ready to explode 😡

Well he's here!!

I couldn't resist last night and phoned him and had a bit of a rant explained I knew all about the lies he had told me, and he did initially try to deny them again before finally admitting them. I'm a very straight person so was totally straight with him and he actually responded by saying he was happy I had been honest with him and said I was unhappy as he prefers it when people are straight with him?

Apparently he'll be working here tonight, tomo & the weekend, so let's see!