can I ask builders to stop due to poor work

[iwantanafternoonnap]

Hi I am having a conservatory built and windows changed and at the moment I am very unhappy with the work.

The windows have not been finished off and have gaps and exposed foam on the outside 2 weeks after them going in despite me asking the them to finish them.

The conservatory groundwork is very poorly built and in fact I could have done a better job. The wall is wonky and lacks cement in between the bricks and they have only managed to build up half the wall in a week and are rarely on site. In fact they have not turned up today at all yet. My neighbour saw them filling the footings back up with soil so that so much cement wasn't used!! The bricks they have used are the wrong type apparently and should not be used for outside walls.

Can I ask them to stop because there work is not to a high enough standard? I don't remember signing any contract (I have poor memory due to PTSD) just confirming which type of windows and conservatory style I wanted.

Not a lawyer but call citizens advice. They were very helpful when I had problems with builders.

You could also call your local council building regs dept and ask them to check the work so far.

tell them to stop work immediately and get another builder or even better a surveyor in to check the work. get a report in writing and if there's any cause for concern get them to fix it or if it's beyond redemption get another builder in to finish it. have you paid for all or any of the work already?

I agree with twattock , we sacked the people doing our drive after 1 day and just came to an agreement about what we would pay ( which wasn't much!)

Have you paid anything? A deposit or everything?
It's a bit worrying that you can't remember signing anything?
Are they part of a bigger group? If so can you go to head office?
Are they you actual builders or have the builders contracted out the work?
Do you have legal protection with your home insurance (or elsewhere)?
Take loads and loads of photos.
Consider getting a surveyor in?
It 'may' be possible that your councils building control dept can help. I would phone and ask.

I don't actually think I signed anything but do remember him coming round to check exactly what I wanted with the windows. I have no paperwork which is why I a little unsure I don't think I have.

I have been a total idiot with this which is unusual for me. I have paid them for the windows and a small amount towards conservatory. I have taken loads of photo's and shown them to people who know about building and they all say it is appalling, the wrong bricks used and the that is should have been tied to the house.

I personally think they thought I was a bit ditsy and easy going that they could take the piss and have tried to save money by not getting builders in. However, I may have been a bot too trusting to begin with but I am not going to be taken for a fool when I have taken a loan out for this.

I have legal protection with my bank and housing insurance so I am covered their. I think I am just going to tell them not to carry on and tell them they will need to take me to court for any more money.

My son was asking who was playing the recorder in his bedroom today but its the wind whistling though the gaps in the window and blowing through cavity wall.

I'll try and upload some pics.

It might be best to give them the opportunity to remedy the situation. You could detail what is wrong and what and when you would like it remedied.

Write down everything that has happened so far and get any reciepts or proof of payment. I hope you didn't pay cash in hand .

You could try asking for advice on MoneySavingExpert.

Have you had the windows fitted?

Is it a 'standard' conservatory or was the glazing going to be made to order.

After reading the CAB website I decided to tell them I did not want them to continue as I did not trust them to be able to put the work right and wanted them off the job.

He did not even put up a fight.

Sounds like you should be asking for money back too, it's going to cost you to remedy this. I'd be surprised if they pay up though.

Always always get personal recommendations and references.

Sounds like you have made the right decision sometimes it's just better to cut your losses.

even if you have nothing written, you will have an oral contract. so make a note asap of what you agreed verbally in terms of payment schedule, bricks to be used etc. and all conversations you had pointing out substandard work. Make it crystal clear, in writing, right away what you're not happy with and why, and ask them what their proposal is to remedy the works. If they get funny, ask them for details of their insurer. Work has to be pretty bloody shoddy to be negligent, and wrong bricks - if you didn't notice that they weren't the ones you wanted until after they'd finished, there will be an argument that you assented to them (assuming you saw them using them as it was going up).

Oh dear I learned the hard way too ALWAYS get builders etc through personal recommendations I agree that if they are real cowboys then as soon as you threaten with anything legal they will flee Also it depends how much of a fool they think you are They may complete the jobs beleiving you will still cough up regardless Some people are just like thatI would get rid of them personally

I have agreed to give them a chance to put it right and get a builder in and that I will have it surveyed and that I will not pay if it is not acceptable.

they did ask me to give them a chance to put it right and I feel like I should but I asked them lots of questions and I have made it very, very clear they will not get any money

That sounds reasonable. Take lots of photos and assure them you will be happy to pay once it's done correctly.

Good luck, these things are very stressful.

it is still not up and no sign of the at all last week despite them saying they would come wednesday and friday so I have told them I no longer want them doing it.

i just have to find someone else now. Good its awful.