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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask for my money back after a company sent someone to do an inspection who couldn't actually do the inspection?

11 replies

QOFE · 30/05/2024 18:32

We live on a rural property and need to get a piece of aging infrastructure repaired or replaced. This is something you would only really find on fairly remote properties and it is typical for it to be hard to access. You wouldn't expect it to be particularly easy to inspect. It's not a standard off the shelf thing and does need a bit of thought about the right solution for the layout/terrain etc.

We booked what was described as a "site consultation" with a local firm that are pretty expert in this particular area. We paid £50 plus VAT for the visit and were told it would involve a full inspection of the infrastructure, discussion of the options for repair/replacement, and a full written report and quote.

On the day, the person they sent out to do the inspection had various physical conditions that meant they couldn't access the infrastructure to inspect it. They managed to walk to nearby (near enough to see but not touch it, not near enough to look at it properly or assess whether repair or replacement is the right course of action), then asked me to email them some photos instead for them to look at later. They then got back in their car because the walk (of approx 100 yards up a slight incline) had caused them pain, and left shortly after. We are still waiting for the report and quote but tbh the report isn't going to say anything I didn't know already seeing as the person didn't even look at it! They weren't able to answer most of my questions because they hadn't seen enough to know.

WIBU to ask for my money back? I feel bad because the person obviously has serious physical limitations that must make their life really hard but...they didn't do the job that I paid for! I could have emailed the photos in the first place, and saved us all the bother.

OP posts:
GoneFishingToday · 30/05/2024 18:34

You employed them to do a job, they were unable to do it, they should either refund if they are a 'one man band', or send someone else out to do the job properly. Why should you be out of pocket, because the person wasn't physically able to do the job you paid for?

QOFE · 30/05/2024 18:44

GoneFishingToday · 30/05/2024 18:34

You employed them to do a job, they were unable to do it, they should either refund if they are a 'one man band', or send someone else out to do the job properly. Why should you be out of pocket, because the person wasn't physically able to do the job you paid for?

They're not a one man band, definitely not. They cover a wide area but just happen to be based really near us.

OP posts:
WiddlinDiddlin · 30/05/2024 18:52

Nah, ask for someone else to come do it, or a refund. Thats appalling, if the job typically requires someone fit and mobile enough to walk up hill/across rough ground and stand about poking and prodding and so on, then they need to send someone who can do that!

EveryKneeShallBow · 30/05/2024 18:53

Someone I know was a specialist diver in the oil industry. He suffered an injury while doing a hobby. He couldn’t walk, but still consulted for the companies. They couldn’t give him a contract to examine something in the North Sea or fix it himself. That’s not ableist, it’s realist. What I mean is. YABU at all.

CJ0374 · 30/05/2024 19:06

I shouldn't laugh, but I had images of a guy in a full body cast turning up! 😬

You employed him to provide X and he didn't inspect it, and expected YOU to do the leg work and take photos. Maybe he should PAY you for that service! What is in the T&C's? Have you spoken to the company about your concerns?

To ask for my money back after a company sent someone to do an inspection who couldn't actually do the inspection?
Longtimelurkerfinallyposts · 30/05/2024 19:15

Are there other firms who you could approach with the right expertise?
Or would it be better to insist that this one sends out someone who can actually carry out a proper in person inspection and answer your questions?

CJ0374 · 30/05/2024 19:27

EveryKneeShallBow · 30/05/2024 18:53

Someone I know was a specialist diver in the oil industry. He suffered an injury while doing a hobby. He couldn’t walk, but still consulted for the companies. They couldn’t give him a contract to examine something in the North Sea or fix it himself. That’s not ableist, it’s realist. What I mean is. YABU at all.

Edited

Eh! So your friend couldn't get a contract to examine something but act as a consultant to the firm- fine. They have previous expertise in this.

That is very different to a contract where the person WILL inspect the issue! Its like saying I need the bottom of my oil rig inspected. I pay for the inspection. Your friend arrives and says they can't inspect due to injury, so asks the OP to pop on some technical dive gear and just take the pics themselves!

Your friend is a consultant and NOT an inspector for this reason! No comparison!

QOFE · 30/05/2024 20:20

Longtimelurkerfinallyposts · 30/05/2024 19:15

Are there other firms who you could approach with the right expertise?
Or would it be better to insist that this one sends out someone who can actually carry out a proper in person inspection and answer your questions?

I'm sure I can find someone else to do it. I'm just wondering if I would be a massive dick to tell this company that I want my £50 (plus VAT) back!

OP posts:
CJ0374 · 31/05/2024 15:04

I'd ring the company and raise your concerns and ask them to send out an inspector that can actually inspect!

pikkumyy77 · 31/05/2024 15:06

No: they didn’t fo the job. Get the money back.

Keepthosenamesgoing · 31/05/2024 15:08

QOFE · 30/05/2024 20:20

I'm sure I can find someone else to do it. I'm just wondering if I would be a massive dick to tell this company that I want my £50 (plus VAT) back!

Tell them that the inspection was not carried out due to the inspector being limited mobility. And that you require an inspection before the report issued so can they please rebook the inspection.
You have to offer them the chance to remedy before asking for a refund

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