To not begin a lift conversion this Spring?

[Mrsbadger77]

I'm currently in an email'dispute' with a builder I had asked to complete a loft conversion this spring. We agreed to go ahead this Spring obviously before this all kicked off.
He is being very unpleasant with me when I have listed numerous reasons for not wanting to go ahead with the work. ( all of us here in the house all day and DH WFH, what would happen if we went into a total lockdown building work suspended, financial concerns, DH immunosuppressed the list goes on. )
Surely only a crazy person would begin building work at this time and builder is being a dick ( although I do feel for him as he is obviously losing money)or AIBU?

@Rollercoaster1920 we have no contract to check

hi, you may have no contract but have you agreed to proceed with the works, either directly over email verbally etc or indirectly Agreed date to start etc)

I think it would be wise to pop onto the legal board to double check exactly where you stand, cancellation of works and contracts is quite a hot topic at the moment. The Virus is a tricky one if work is cancelled if it could be said an agreement was in place as its a fluid temporary situation (as you rightly moved forward with asking to postpone). Not wishing to continue a contract due to a breakdown in service, the ability to work together may be a sounder way forward and I'd be clear to that reason highlighting you were happy just to delay a bit initially but his response is intolerable. I would honestly just check with people who have a good understanding in the legalities just to make sure you cover all bases.

OP, wise call not to go ahead.

You are following guidelines during the lockdown.

He sounds unpleasant and the reality is that you would be completely at his mercy.

Any further developments over the coming weeks could prolong the job hugely.

I know of two people in the middle of big remodeling jobs at tge moment and it is very challenging.

I wouldn't dream of starting it.

I think his unpleasantness is great to have found out now. Bullet dodged🙏

Thank you @Redcherries , I appreciate you taking the time to advise me. I did actually say to him that as he appeared to be harbouring a lot of ill feeling towards me for wanting to delay that it may be better for us to pursue other avenues. This way it makes it clear that it is his attitude that has lead to this.

Also if he's being rude and snarky with you, before you even have an agreement do you want that attitude in your house for months?

I hope you've checked your contract. Cancelling may cost you

The law preventing work going ahead is a valid reason to cancel.

It would be deemed Frustration of Contract.

@DCOkeford yes thank you for that. Is there actually a law in place in England? I know Scotland were a lot stricter on stopping non-essential building, wasn't sure about here as all very vague. I just think what a bellend for wanting to push in with this.

I bet he'll be standing out the front of his house on Thursday night clapping for the NHS while at the same time he would be perfectly prepared to break advice/ laws about social distancing etc. Thank you

Work that relates to 'maintenance, upkeep and repair' are permitted, but you'd be hard pressed to shoehorn a loft conversion into that category.

Here is a useful quote from Michael Gove:

'But if we’re talking about the sort of construction work that involves a builder coming into home
in order to deliver an extension or something like that, that would seem not appropriate and not
in line with the clear guidance.'

Am I right in thinking that you haven't paid him any money so far?

If not, then just stop engaging. There's nothing he can do.

Its a clear case of frustration of contract and he will get literally nowhere if he tries to pursue you in any way.