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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to want some money back?

52 replies

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 13:51

so I had new floors on both levels of the house done in October. I got 3 quotes and went with the one with the most reviews online. Only one bad out of 250 +. So they came mid Oct. We got all the furniture moved into one room on each level ready, not easy as you can imagine. Then 15 mins before the time they told me, I got an excuse about their van. I literally begged them to come and eventually they did. Worked until 3, not finished and said be back in morning. Next day came and still had two rooms upstairs to do. Said would be back on Wednesday but could they be paid. So I did stupidly. Wednesday they had Covid. Nothing since. I’ve contacted them but nothing. So they have been paid but two rooms had not been done and all the door bits needed filling as the skill wasn’t great and big gaps in the laminate etc, bits coming apart and joints not spaced correctly. Same boards next to each other so look weird. Where the level drops by the door instead of making sure the planks continue the line they don’t etc. so not a great job. Didn’t use the edging things that I asked him too for the guarentee. I have asked for money back but I think I’m blocked, I text, and emailed. How do I find out the address? Not online that I can find. Just a name of a company that only seems to be on the my builder website. My builder don’t want to know either. I have his van reg but I do t know if I can use that to find him. Anyone have an idea? I want to take him to court but I need an address.

OP posts:
Cosyblankets · 25/01/2024 15:23

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 13:58

I can’t find them anywhere.

I don't get why you can read reviews but you can't write them. Your OP says you went with the one with the most reviews

ActDottie · 25/01/2024 15:23

ActDottie · 25/01/2024 15:22

If they’re a company can you search on companies house?

Sorry just seen they’re not on there :(

MyTeethLookShit · 25/01/2024 15:24

I was just scammed in a similar way by a removals company. Feel like such an idiot. They've made off with all of our stuff (non sentimental luckily). Check the reviews, they are probably all by bots and you can usually tell.

CHECK COMPANIES HOUSE PPL. That won't save every situation but would have saved mine and this one perhaps. DH didn't!!!

LauderSyme · 25/01/2024 15:30

s4usagefingers · 25/01/2024 14:02

This seems like a lesson learned type situation.

So... nothing? No helpful advice, no redress, just more or less suck it up cos you're an idiot?

Great. OP must be so glad you posted.

However I agree in future - OP don't do it like this again!

LauderSyme · 25/01/2024 15:35

I also agree with pp that you need to contact MyBuilder and be like a dog with a bone until you get somewhere.

Alwaysalwayscold · 25/01/2024 15:47

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 14:36

I’ve always paid tradesmen in cash and I don’t ever think I’ve had a receipt.

I'm not really one to kick people when they're down, but you pretty much asked for this.

You went against virtually every single piece of advice for hiring tradespeople.

Noseybookworm · 25/01/2024 16:15

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 13:59

Only a witness to money being paid. No receipt.

You didn't get a receipt?? Did you pay in cash?

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 18:08

Yes paid in cash, never got receipt.

OP posts:
Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 18:09

Yes I’m an idiot!

OP posts:
Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 18:09

Every time I’ve had a plumber, sparky etc I’ve paid in cash. Never had a receipt.

OP posts:
Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 18:10

I’ve just realised I can still message the rogue trader on my builder still so I have detailing why I’m unhappy. We will see what happens.

OP posts:
BobbyBiscuits · 25/01/2024 18:20

I hope you can shame them into paying you back for the work they didn't do, maybe look on facebook etc if there are others who had the same experience?
I think they are charletans and you may need to accept it, unless you do indeed take them to small claims. Have they simply vanished and won't finish the work? That is the danger if you pay before completion.
In future, only ever pay builders once they have invoiced you (after the work is complete) and agree everything in writing (by email/text is fine) before you proceed.
If they want payment up front just do not use them. Also I would not use a company with no physical or online presence other than one trade website. Decent builders will be very obvious online, and are usually very busy, and professional with paperwork etc. You want the work guaranteed for several years as well.
I hope you get at least some of the money back, and you find a decent new builder. There are plenty of decent ones out there but it sometimes doesn't feel that way.

BigFatCat2024 · 25/01/2024 18:52

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 18:09

Every time I’ve had a plumber, sparky etc I’ve paid in cash. Never had a receipt.

But surely not before the job is finished?

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 19:02

No never paid before it was done. I really don’t know why I did when they asked.

OP posts:
Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 19:04

He has replied asking to come rectify it but it’s been months and I have already had it done. I declined the offer and asked for a refund.

OP posts:
Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 19:05

I’m surprised he replied! Maybe he’s worried I’ll complain to my builder. Not realising they don’t care.

OP posts:
Itslegitimatesalvage · 25/01/2024 19:27

What excuse did he give for leaving it unfinished and ignoring all your contact attempts?

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 20:04

Covid

OP posts:
Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 20:04

Won’t give me his address though

OP posts:
ZeroFucksGivenToday · 25/01/2024 20:14

Have you tried searching his mobile number on the internet and FB etc? I've found some people I've been trying to locate that way before.
sometimes that then links to other business pages or full name etc.

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 20:25

No I didn’t think of that. Thanks.

OP posts:
Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 20:30

Nope nothing. Googled it and got daughter to do fb. Nothing.

OP posts:
Jogrighton · 25/01/2024 20:37

If you have his number, get someone else to ring and ask for a quote for a job and get details that way🤷🏼‍♀️

Allofaflutter · 25/01/2024 21:22

He doesn’t give out paperwork with address on. All done by text or verbally.

OP posts:
Jogrighton · 25/01/2024 22:06

Can my builder not give you any details about him?

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