Builders

[delala57]

Hi all, this is the first time I have posted. We are having an extension being built and are unfortunately paying day rate. The builder is so slow and when we ask why he is either not here or why it is taking such a long time he just makes excuses (saying he has had family issues to deal with or deliveries are late/weather etc). My husband says that if I see them standing around, or chatting that I need to tell them they need to get on with the job. He says that I need to ask every morning what they are going to do that day (as if I understand). Is this what you have had to do when dealing with builders?

Never heard of paying a daily rate for building work. We always agree a price for the job.

Are they expecting to be paid full day when they are spending of it arriving late or standing around?

I'd be tempted to sack them off and hire someone else to finish the job for a fixed fee.

I wouldn’t use someone I had to micro manage.
I’ve had jobs done on day rate and on a price, both fair.
I’ve one - on a day rate - told builder 1 not to bring builder 2 as his side kick again, because he took the piss. Put in for a day not realising I’d come home at 13:30 to find him already gone - which would be fine if he’d really blasted through the work, but builder 1 agreed he really hadn’t!

@DynamoKev

Never heard of paying a daily rate for building work. We always agree a price for the job.

I’ve done it with a builder I trusted (we had history 🤣) cos it was a job where he wouldn’t know what he’d find til started, and it meant he didn’t add in “just in case” time.

With a less well known to me tradesman though, I’d expect them to be able to size a job up well. That’s their skill, that’s part of why they can charge what they do. So I’d only work on a price with them.

Hi all, thank you.

My husband has worked with him for over 15 years and trusted his work.

It is so difficult when someone you trust lets you down. He doesn't like me as when we tells me what he is doing and when, and I question why it is not happening (time and time again). He does not like being questioned by a woman and has stated to my husband that I am confused and that he did not say things to me. It proves he is constantly lying to us! Thanks for your reassurances - I felt like I was going crazy!

Has he told you roughly how many days this work will take so you know what to expect?

Yes, we were told it would take 14 weeks and it has been 18 so far!

He says its because he's overstretched himself. I told him that it was insulting to take on another job whilst working for us and that it was unfair. My husband has to turn work down if he is busy. That didn't go down well! Also, if the other customer wanted extra work doing that he should tell him that he would have to wait until he's finished at ours. He agrees and then does what ever he likes! So frustrating.

I would renegotiate the day rate agreement. He can't just take as long as he wants that's not right. It's dishonest and its taking you and your dh for mugs. I think things will need to get verbally unpleasant for you to find a solution unfortunately as the builder seems to have no shame.

Thank you, I appreciate your message. I thought I was going mad - it is exactly what I thought too!

Seems to be common theme with builders though I agree it shouldn't be! We are currently on week 7 of a 2-3 week job 🙈 thankfully ours was a fixed rate for the work.

I think I’d probably say that the work is taking longer and costing more than you’d budgeted for, so you’re going to be getting some fixed-price costs to complete the work to an agreed standard within an agreed timescale. Would he like to submit a quote as you respect the quality of his work, blah, blah, blah, more stroking of ego.

Then get some quotes and pick.

It sounds like he’s rather fragile of ego so, if you’re keen to keep him on side avoid accusations and find a couple of nice things to say about his work so far. If you don’t care then give him straight and honest feedback and let him go.

OMG! How painful! Good luck - I hope the end is in sight for you.

@TheSockMonster that is exactly what my husband and I are going to do! Thank you

Good luck!