Builder AWOL don’t know what to do

[Mamawingingit1234]

Hi all,

We hired a builder for a small single story extension. All started off great, he was the best we saw, gave detailed itemised quote, got the best feeling from him. All reviews were positive and we even visited a previous job he completed and the homeowner was lovely.

Issues we’ve had

1. Building warrant changed quite a bit from the planning permission. Our architect was slow to fix changes the council had asked for meaning a delay on getting the finial approved warrant. Our builder decided to start the work anyway and as such had to change somethings he’d already done and change orders which he said incurred a cost which we pay some of

1. He was in 6 weeks jury duty so little to no work was done during this time

1. When work was meant to commence after Christmas we had to bad weather which he said caused delays, they obviously couldn’t work while the snow was bad but once it cleared they still weren’t onsite and we were told other jobs were delayed so we were bumped down the queue.

I think we have been patient and understanding. Now we are 3 months behind when the job should have been complete. Weeks will go by with no one on site. Waited weeks for the zinc roof to go on as we were told nothing else could be done until it was on (a different company hired to do it through our builder) they completed it a month ago so we hoped they’re finish the rest of the inside but no. All emails, texts and calls are ignored. Now he’s blocked my DH number. One of the workers agreed with the bosses permission to be our contact because the owner wasn’t responding now he’s told us he can’t talk to us and we have to email the boss.

Two days ago the owner of the company who installed the zinc roof came to our door chasing the builder as he’s not paid and isn’t responding to him either.

We’ve also just found out he left the Federation of Master Builders so they can’t help us.

I’m truly at a loss on what we should do. We’ve tried appealing to his softer side saying out 2yr old is desperate for the garden back and living on a building site with a newborn isn’t ideal. The work was supposed to be finished before the second arrived.

My DH is at the point where he’s either going to turn up at his door or call in for legal help!

Any advice on what we should do? Or what we CAN do?

Thanks

I should add we’ve paid everything up to date, only a small amount left which the contract states should be paid a few months after the job is done for snagging and what not.

The scaffolding is still up and over our fence on to the neighbours garden and our garden is full on rubble (including lots of nails) and building supplies

Oh no you really really shouldnt of paid so much yet. No more than 30% upfront for materials. That is the high end. And installments weekly when work is progressing weekly.

I understand the delay for weather and jury duty cant be helped (if thats true about just duty) but if he has a team they could of been on the job.

I think its time to seek legal advice now. Free half hour to start. Do you have proof of all payments, all transfer and not cash payments? The fact you have a contract is good.

www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-complain-if-youre-unhappy-with-building-work