Had locksmiths in to change three locks and adjust the front door to close more easily.
As he left I saw that he had hacked a strip off the door frame to allow easier closing. It's a listed building, had he asked first I would absolutely have said no. We had only discussed him adjusting the door closing mechanism. The door frame has been in place since 1750s and was clearly not even the issue.
He asked for an immediate bank transfer right there and then (£400). I hadn't see the damage before paying.
I later emailed the company with photos. They agreed it was a "terrible" job, and suggested they sand it down and paint over. I said that was not acceptable - it needs repairing properly.
I've had a recommended contractor visit and describe how they would do the repair. The locksmith said this company might inflate their bill and only want their own contractor to fix it. I don't trust them to do a good job.
The locksmith said he would speak to his contractor and let me know last week. He hasn't. This has now dragged on for a month and I feel trying to cooperate with them is getting me nowhere.
Where do I best go from here?
Not sure whether to ask them for their insurer's details (although they often simply ignore my emails). Or use the small claims route. Or as they are members of the Master Locksmith's Association I could go through them.
Any advice very welcome.