To hold back 5% for snags?

[Schhhteeevie]

I recently had a painter decorator redecorate a couple of rooms in my house. He quoted me times and materials but went over his original quote by 2 days. I’ve asked him to come back to complete snagging (undercoat visible in some places and some tidy up of paint splashing)

it won’t be for a couple of weeks because I’m on holiday and then he is

He has asked me to pay the invoice, happy to do but should I hold back a small amount for snags? 5% ish? It was a small job approx £1k. I’m just not sure how to cover myself.

He is a local guy if that’s relevant.

I don’t think withholding 5% would motivate him to return, I’d make it 20%.

You can’t do that! You signed a contract to pay on completion of the job so, tough, pay him. Next time, have it written in the contract that you want to keep some back for snags (and for how long) but don’t be so cheeky. He’ll just think you’re trying to pull a fast one.

By the way, I actually doubt you’ll find anyone who will work for you if you’re withholding their pay. Just saying.

@ClottedCreamAndStrawberries but he hasn’t completed the job? He’s coming back in 2 weeks to finish it?

I wouldn’t pay until the job is complete? Whether it’s finishing touches or a whole wall, he hasn’t finished the work.

Rubbish. Job isn’t done until snagging is done.

I would tell him you will pay in full when the job you’re paying for is done in full. Otherwise you’re unlikely to see him again.

@ClottedCreamAndStrawberries but that’s the point - he hasn’t completed the job. He went two days over his original quote and hasn’t finished. The undercoat is still visible in places and there’s paint splashes over the floor. There’s other bits and pieces also not completed. I’m paying MORE than originally quoted and want to make sure he returns to complete the job

@19lottie82 thank you, is 20% not a little steep you think? He’s a very local bloke so I also don’t want to make things awkward but I am worried he won’t finish…

Do not pay until job complete - sounds like he hasn’t made a very good job of it either, so definitely withhold payment until completion.

Presumably hes reputable so just organise a date and pay.

Definitely don't hold back a % if it isn't part of the terms and conditions as that could lead to lots of problems and accusations. If you'd agreed initially to pay the full amount when the job was done, tell him you'll pay the full amount on full completion as per what you agreed.

Hes turned up every day so far without payment in hand hasnt he and hes trusted you will pay. So trust him back and pay him. You trusted him in your home.

Yes but alternatively the price quoted is for a finished job, whatever that means here.

Not explicitly saying you will hold it back if not complete, means that you have to pay if it’s not.

@spirit20 there wasn’t any “terms and conditions” to be honest which is why I’ve ended up with a bill for 6 days as opposed to 4. There was no contract / it’s a small job. My mistake I should have covered that properly but we are where we are. Fact is, it’s not complete despite taking 30% longer than advised so I want to cover myself but don’t want to be completely unreasonable

The last tradesperson I paid on the understanding that he'd come back to finish something off was never seen again.

@Bindayagain sorry to hear, that’s terrible. A colleague was telling me it took them 8 months of major stress to get a builder back to complete a job which is why I’m so wary. My job is much smaller but the fact is I’ve paid 30% more already so…

Tell him you’re not paying him until it’s done.
or if he really needs the cash I would say 50% now, 50% on completion

If he’s finished 95% pay him that amount. But I doubt he’d come back for £50. I’d hold back £100.00

last person I had didn’t come back.

I wouldn't pay him any more till the job is finished properly. Otherwise he will never come back.

I wouldn't pay until the job was done. We had a tradesman friend of the family who did work for us. We paid before the job was 100% complete and it took weeks and weeks for him to come back to finish the job, and that was someone we knew!

Pay him for the 4 days originally agreed and say you’ll pay him for the extra 2 days when he’s sorted the snags.

In my experience, they don't come back when paid.
Don't pay until it is finished.

You pay 100% of the balance once the job is complete, not before.
Was there a text confirming the price, as this would serve as a contract.

If this tradesman is charging 1000 for 6 days work.plus materials.he is earning roughly 130-140 a day (allowing 200 for paint and materials) before any tax is paid. This is not exactly a high earner who has loads of money in the bank.
He is probably waiting on your invoice to pay for his holiday.

While I appreciate this is not your problem it would be pretty lousy to withould his payment. Find another way to ensure he comes back to redo any issues.