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Original poster

Builder not finishing job

13 replies

ethelthecat · 30/05/2025 14:01

I started with a bathroom refit in March, was advised it would take about ten days. They did some pipe work and then came back at the end of April to "complete the job".

By mid May, they had ripped out the old bathroom, boarded, plastered, replaced the bath and toilet. (I had no toilet for three weeks!) Then they said they'd be back in about 7/8 weeks "to finish off". I still need the shower, radiator and sink, as well as flooring and lights.

I've supplied the suite, they've supplied the fittings. I've paid £1k so far.

I'm sick of waiting and want to get it finished now. Another fitter has agreed to complete the work and thinks it will take him 3 days to finish off.

Am I within my rights to tell the original fitter not to bother coming back? Would I have to pay him the entire original quote? Or how much would be reasonable to pay for what they have done?

OP posts:
Elektra1 · 30/05/2025 15:33

Depends on whether you’ve signed a contract or not, and if so, what it says.

Original poster
ethelthecat · 30/05/2025 16:23

There is no signed contract, all verbal...

OP posts:
Mindymomo · 30/05/2025 17:15

You have nothing in writing, so nothing for builder to come back, but I would contact them saying waiting another 7/8 weeks is completely unreasonable and if they cannot give a definite date to return soon you will have to find alternative tradespeople to finish job, but if they verbally said it would take 10 days in March and it’s now nearly June, I would definitely get someone else.

Marble10 · 30/05/2025 22:17

Wow, you have been patient! If you didn’t chase the builder up, what are the chances of him contacting you off his own back?
Get someone new in, he’s absolutely taking the piss. Assuming he is not doing it for free?!

Original poster
ethelthecat · 30/05/2025 23:39

Oh I've been chasing. They give me a day and will turn up and do a bit, or give me a different day on that day. Then they'll say something like "don't panic, it'll get done", making me feel like I'm inconveniencing them!

I'm getting the other person in, I just don't want any drama, or a nightmare around payments.

OP posts:
Clickncollect · 30/05/2025 23:52

I hate to say it but tread carefully. I tried to get rid of a bathroom fitter after he had started the job (for incompetence rather than delays) and he went nuts, writing long email rants and threatened me with legal action for breach of contract.
I did consult a solicitor and they said I had a strong case but I backed down because two people close to me had just died, my bathroom was stripped and starting to smell, I was stressed at work and I just didn’t want the aggro.
My builder had a massive ego problem, an answer for everything and played me like a fiddle so it depends on your guy’s personality type really!

Original poster
ethelthecat · 31/05/2025 09:55

Clickncollect · 30/05/2025 23:52

I hate to say it but tread carefully. I tried to get rid of a bathroom fitter after he had started the job (for incompetence rather than delays) and he went nuts, writing long email rants and threatened me with legal action for breach of contract.
I did consult a solicitor and they said I had a strong case but I backed down because two people close to me had just died, my bathroom was stripped and starting to smell, I was stressed at work and I just didn’t want the aggro.
My builder had a massive ego problem, an answer for everything and played me like a fiddle so it depends on your guy’s personality type really!

This is what I'm worried about! I guess if someone comes and finishes it before he even comes back it's different ... but I'm going to take lots of photos of how much he has done. I'm worried he will still want the full amount and say I broke the contract getting someone else in.

OP posts:
tripleginandtonic · 31/05/2025 10:01

Get it finished. Your current builder doesn't have a leg to stand on.

Reallybadidea · 31/05/2025 10:03

You may have free legal advice on your home insurance who can tell you what your rights and responsibilities are in this situation. I would be surprised if the builder suddenly decides he wants to finish it though

Original poster
ethelthecat · 31/05/2025 10:33

I don't think he'll actually want to finish it, but I'm worried he will demand the money anyway, and use me getting someone else to finish it as the excuse as to why he didn't...

OP posts:
Clickncollect · 31/05/2025 21:54

ethelthecat · 31/05/2025 09:55

This is what I'm worried about! I guess if someone comes and finishes it before he even comes back it's different ... but I'm going to take lots of photos of how much he has done. I'm worried he will still want the full amount and say I broke the contract getting someone else in.

Show quote history

It was a really horrible experience and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. My guy was relentless and even my solicitor said he has such an ego that he cannot handle the rejection! And it’s a very long story but my reasons for wanting to get rid of him were very valid and I was happy to pay him for work completed and even some extra just for him to go away.
In your shoes I would definitely get legal advice and ask if you should take photos and write a formal letter giving him a set deadline and if he doesn’t meet the deadline then the contract is cancelled and you will go elsewhere.

Clickncollect · 04/06/2025 09:08

How are you getting on @ethelthecat ? Hope you’ve managed to resolve things.

Original poster
ethelthecat · 04/06/2025 21:22

The new fitter has been to have a look and will start end of next week so hopefully it'll finally be fixed.

But in terms of the original one, he's not replying to messages or emails asking for updates/completion dates, yet posting new jobs on socials. I'm waiting to make sure the new one does actually turn up, then I shall tell the old one not to bother.

I'm a bit scared there will be a comeback but he's had plenty of chance to give me a new date, we never signed a contract, and I'll happily pay for what he has done, if he sends an invoice, as there's nothing wrong with the bits he has done (which I've taken lots of photos of).

OP posts:
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