Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Legal matters

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have any legal concerns we suggest you consult a solicitor.

Tradesman problem

3 replies

AnythingConsidered · 07/05/2023 08:08

Hoping this is the right place to ask, though I will post in Property too.

Sept 23, we employed a building firm to renovate ensuite and bathroom. The complete job was due to take 3 weeks, but ended up taking 4 months.

There were lots of issues, but generally small & either resolved, or too small for me to push.

Mid March 24, we notice some damage to the tiles and grout in the ensuite. Couple of days later see water around the toilet and, on investigation, find a slow leak from the cistern

We managed to turn off the water supply and contacted the builder. 2 weeks later he finally sends someone out, who tells us it's a problem with a faulty cistern.

The owner of the company says he will come back to me with an update on what they're going to do to fix it and we've heard nothing since. The toilet has been disconnected since mid-March. Multiple calls ignored, what's app messages unanswered since the 13 April.

What do I do next?
I tried my home insurance, but our policy didn't include legal cover. I tried calling the actual supplier, but they won't talk to me as the toilet was ordered in the company name, not mine.

Can I send an email with some legalise wording to get him to sort out? Can I get someone else to do the job, and then bill them? Should I make a claim on home insurance?

How do I get this bloody thing fixed when he's ignoring me?

We have a 6-month old ensuite, where the toilet is unusable, cracked tiles and damaged kickboard fom water damage and missing/lifted grout.

Would love some understanding of where I stand, and any advice please.

OP posts:
AnythingConsidered · 07/05/2023 08:11

Urgh, got my years mixed up.
Sept 22 & March 23, are the correct dates.

OP posts:
prh47bridge · 07/05/2023 09:24

You get quotes to get the issues fixed then write to the company (NOT the owner - your contract is with the company, not him personally) stating the facts, saying that you want them to either fix the issue or pay the cost of getting it fixed (state the cost of the best quote you have received), including copies of the key documents (the quotes you have received, for example), giving them a deadline to respond (28 days is normal) and stating that you anticipate taking legal action without further notice if they fail to respond. There is a good template letter at Letter before small claims court claim - Which?. If they fail to respond satisfactorily, you can then take them to court.

Letter before making a small claims court claim - Which?

Taking a company to the small claims court to get your money back? If so, you must send them a letter before you claim - this template will help you.

https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/letter/letter-before-small-claims-court-claim-aSFAC8Q6Jqan

AnythingConsidered · 07/05/2023 14:06

Thank you @prh47bridge
That's really helpful

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page