Relative trying to take advantage ?

[itsnicetobeniceto]

I have a relative doing some work for me . At the start he said he would have a quote . But work had to begin (building a house) before we got quote . Cut a long story short he got angry when I asked him how many days were left for the job . He said he didn't know . Surely all trades people know how long a job will take having done similar jobs before . When asking him questions he says that's how I work etc . Have told him to leave the job if he doesn't apologise for his rudeness ??? Or should I have sucked it up as he a relative by marriage ??? Just think he wants to squeeze as much money out of the job as poss .

Yes I asked him to work it out and he still said wouldn't answer me with a number of days . He fobbed me off . So I think I can clearly be comfortable in thinking I was reasonable . Thanks all

i reckon emerald is your relative, they sound like a bit of a dick

the guy/rellie was hoping to rip you off...

well done ... x

Well unlike Emerald I have never know an electrician who DID charge by the hour and, had I met one, I would not have used him! Every electrician I have ever used, which is a lot given the number of house moves we have gone through and that we own BTL flats, has quoted by the job - whether complete rewire of a house, installing a new socket, installing downlighters, new RCD or everything in between.

OP, not only do you need a quote, you need a contract setting out exactly what the builder will do, by when and how much you will pay and in what instalments. There are building contract templates available online if you google this.

A contract is essential in case things go wrong as you have something to refer to.

Oh again thanks all . Yeah have the proper contract with our builder . It's just the electrical labour . We sort out the electrical pieces ourselves through a wholesaler . Thanks again .

Tell him how much you are going to pay. You've got an idea of an amount you said so send to him in email that's how much you will pay for the job unless he gives you a proper quote and you accept it.

Yes run rabbit that's exactly what will happen if he apologises . We are calling the price . And won't be paid til job finished and we are happy . Don't think we are unreasonable because God knows what the bill would have been if I hadn't insisted on knowing how long it was going to take etc . Thanks again all for replies . Some people out there just think they can take the piss .

OP, I think the relationship is irretrievably damaged between you and this contractor/relative. He sounds like a chancer and you seem very worked up about the situation, even beyond what might be expected. He's unlikely to apologise and, if he does, you don't seem particularly of a mind of accept it. I think the moment you give him an ultimatum on price you'll be back to square one and the echoes of this situation are going to reverberate down the years through your extended family. How difficult would it be to get another contractor to finish the work because that is what I would do in your shoes?

Yeah we are prepared to get someone else if he walks . I will accept apology but deep down I will know he is an asshole trying to get money out of us . No loss to me really if relationship damaged .... He did the damage . At least I know the type of him now . Yes it has annoyed me . I wanted to be able to trust someone who is supposed to love my husband . And there a light ( no pun) had been shone on the fact he wants to rip us off . He could have given us a quote very easily but just said you'll get one ...... But not which year it would arrive . Family or not a piss taker is a piss taker . We've worked hard and saved for this build for many years not just to be fobbed off by our supposed nearest and dearest .