To cancel the work

[FreshAirHere]

Wanting to hear from any of you who've had kitchens or bathrooms done recently (the sort of work that really affects day to day stuff when there are children at home).
I've chosen a kitchen at Howdens through our carpentry firm. He's local and did a kitchen on our street which we liked. I'm going away on Friday afternoon with the family and he is meant to be starting on Friday - at least getting the deliveries in. He was meant to turn up do go through final plans - locations of things for plumbers, electricians etc. He didn't turn up on Friday. Then we re-arranged for Monday, hasn't turned up and again today, he said he'd be here at 4-5 and no show. I want to get the work done but it's quite difficult to deal with tradespeople when children are back from school and wanting to do eat. do homework etc.
Part of me thinks, if we can't trust him to turn up, can we really trust him with the kitchen work when we're not here. The plan was to get all the messy and wet bits done when we're away so we can have some sort of functioning bare kitchen when back? Would you find someone else or just try to hold out for when he's available. I've tried messaging through FB as well to no avail and his business partner isn't calling me back either......

Do you have a contract with him? If not then don’t go with him and find someone else. Even if you do you could argue he’s breached the contract and your trust.

I'd go with someone else. Twice he's messed you about with arrangements on day, and then he's changed the time, then gone AWOL.

Stocking the fridge with microwave meals, moving it, the kettle & microwave into the lounge and letting chaos reign for a short space of time might be the better option.

Nope, not for a second longer. Cancel the whole thing.

No contract - we were meant to be signing that when he was visiting.
Chaos for a bit isn't a bad thing - the extension is weather tight albeit a bit chilly. But' I really don't like the idea of having to chase him like this.

Yep, text him to inform him his services won’t be needed, then get back to the drawing board.

I'd find someone else personally. We had this with a plumber and it turned out to be a nightmare!!

The last few times I've needed tradesmen I've found checkatrade to be more useful than neighbour recommendations.

This guy is unreliable. Pick someone else. The disruption won't last long.

Thanks for the advice, you're all right. The disruption won't last long anyway.