Plasterer is taking too long

[pickup9]

(I've posted this elsewhere but no replies so am trying here 😊)

I moved into a new house in December which needs a lot of work doing. I had a few quotes for some of the work and ended up going with a home improvement company. The first job was that every ceiling needed plastering. I was then going to get a decorator in to paint these.

The guy did say that they were working on a big job near by but would be able to fit me in and get it done.

It's now been over a month and only 3/4 of upstairs ceilings have been plastered, he hasn't even touched downstairs yet. I understand that he's fitting me in but he's ripping carpets up as he goes along so me and the kids are living in a building site. Fresh plaster drips and exposed carpet grips everywhere!

I've asked him when he is able to come back and he keeps saying he'll let me know. He did one day last week, and won't be doing any this week.

My friend is a builder and has his own plasterer. He rang me last night and said that he can send his man round on Monday to finish the rest of the ceilings.

Would I be unreasonable to tell him I'm going with someone else now? His quote was for the whole house and so far I've paid him labour and materials for what he has done. I don't want to upset him!

No, you can't be expected to put up with the situation. Get in touch and let him know, he may even be secretly relieved, as he's taken on too much work.

Get the reliable guy in to finish, it'll be better, even if he takes a couple of days more than he thought, it'll be over and done with.

Why are you worried about upsetting him? It seems he hasn't shown you the same concern. He clearly has enough work already so just tell him it's clear he's overstretched and you've found someone else. Be ready with a valuation of the work done to date plus materials in case he queries payment. As long as you're sure the new plasterer can start - also be aware new person may say the old work needs re-doing...

I really can't understand why you're afraid to upset this man. That's his problem. You've paid what you owe but you need the job done quicker, which he is seemingly unable/unwilling to do. This is business, it's not personal.

I guess I just don't like confrontation! He's also been really helpful with other things when he has been here so I feel a bit bad.

OP it isn't confrontational to end a working relationship. He obviously doesn't want to do the job and will be relieved to have it taken back. Do what works best for you.

It's fine. It's reasonable to expect things done in a timely manner and sounds like he's got more work than he can handle anyway so I'm sure he won't mind.