Argh not sure where to start with this. Posting in AIBU as I genuinely want to make sure we are not being dicks before we proceed and I know this is the place to find out! We want to withhold money from our builder...
We've not had building work done before so have made quite a lot of classic errors I think. We have had an extension built on the back of the house. We didn't get an architect as its basically a square box attached to the house with only the creation of a doorway from the existing house so no major structural work (to the existing house). I did the drawings for the planning application myself. The builder said he would (as part of his service) but they were rejected as not to scale. He then resent them but still not to scale so I did them myself to expedite things... I should have known then he was all talk and no trousers.
I'll try not to bore with too much detail but current state of play is that he has finished except the guttering. We have paid two installments and the final payment of 11,000 is due on completion. We have had a number of arguments along the way about things not being done as discussed but due to the crap contact (not nearly detailed enough, totally accept this was a massive error on our part) we have usually had to capitulate as its a case of he said she said.
However, there are few what we think to be major issues and grounds for withholding payment.
- Generally crap finish. Messy silicone work, uneven paintwork. Messy grouting around tiles, choosing cheap ugly material for the finish etc. So much more. I have about 30 photos of the crapness.
- Installed our sink to one side of the cabinet that houses it, so not central. Looks crap and if I were looking around a house and saw that it would make me question the quality of the rest the decor. He says he had to do it that way because the worktop would flex if it were put in the middle but we think a sink bracket would have easily solved the problem. He didnt consult us before making the decision to put it to one side. When we questioned it (honestly extremely politely by WhatsApp) he didnt reply but came storming into the house in a rage later that morning and was verbally abusive and intimidating towards my husband before even any words were spoken. My husband remained calm and diffused the situation but it was horrible.
- Didnt put end panels on the island, ie the ends are naked matt cabinet carcass rather than gloss end panels. He hasn't cut the worktop big enough to.accomodate the end panels. He says we didnt tell him to put them on. My husband says he did. We have end panels on everything else and also there was one left so pretty obvious we think. He obviously cut the worktop without thinking about it and is styling it out but without any written proof do we have a leg to stand on? Even though it would be fairly standard to not want naked cabinet carcass on display, esp if not the same finish as the rest the kitchen? Or are we being unreasonable?
Both 2&3 can only be fixed by replacing the worktops.
- He's fit the lock in the bifold door wrong. I don't want to bore with details but its possible the door will have to be replaced. Aa it stands at the moment if you fell against the door when it's closed but not locked it would swing open so very unsafe. Esp with toddlers around.
There's loads more but without wanting to go on and on... would we be unreasonable to withhold money for all/any of the above.
I understand were supposed to give him a snagging list but we really don't want him to do it because a) he can not control his temper and I don't feel comfortable having him in the house, esp when by myself with 2 under 2. And b) he's shit and I don't believe he will do it any better the second time around. He thinks he's done a good job already! Every time we've questioned anything in ever such a polite British way he's been at best defensive and at worst aggressive in his response. He lies to us about what is possible and what has been said and about many other things. He's just... awful! Please advise (if you can be arsed on this hot bank holiday evening). Thanks.