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doorstep callers: guttering: north wales

9 replies

cutekids · 21/09/2005 12:08

Last week, my Dad opened the door to someone who claimed to do replacement guttering etc. As they've been in need of replacing for a while, my Dad agreed to let this person come this week to do the whole lot. Admittedly I was quite surprised as Mum and Dad usually do everything "right", but-as my dad has dementia and is now unable to do these kinds of jobs himself anymore-my Mum decided to take a chance. However, last night Mum rang me up all worried saying that it was a terrible job;nothing had been fixed on properly etc. and , unfortunately-as Dad wanted to be "nice"-they'd paid by cash.(although he said he'd knock a bit off for cash, he didn't!).Anyway, this morning, the whole lot looks like it's coming down. She rang the "company" and-mum being mum-gave them a mouthful and demanded that the fella comes back before dinnertime today. When he said he had another job to do first, Mum said,"You should try finishing one before you start another!" To which his wife/girlfriend said, "Less of the attitude!". Now I know Mum can get peoples'backs up now and again but I can't blame her for feeling worried. However, when she rang the Citizen's Advice Bureau, they told her that if she has no luck with this company, she will have to write to him first and give him seven days to respond and, if she has no luck then, she has to write to the "small claims office". What she's worried about is that that could go on throughout the winter which would be unbearable with water flowing all over the place etc. I know this could be quite premature, but has anyone else had to deal with something like this? She's had a lot to deal with recently and I know she's really upset.

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cutekids · 21/09/2005 12:20

???

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cutekids · 21/09/2005 12:23

AngrySadAngrySad

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cutekids · 21/09/2005 12:31

????

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yoyo · 21/09/2005 12:33

Is there anyone who could contact them on her behalf who might be able to speak to them more calmly? I don't suppose they got a receipt or guarantee? Are they local?

iota · 21/09/2005 12:35

sorry to say it but it sounds as if he's been conned - do you have any paperwork with teh company details on it?

I HATE these people who prey on vulnerable people like the elderly

cutekids · 21/09/2005 12:39

mum says they "had proper printer fliers/leaflets"!!! (as u and i know, anyone can do that these days, although she says the address seems valid enouth). They are based about 15/20 minutes drive away from my parents, although I can't find them listed anywhere so who knows?!!!Mum did insist on a receipt which he reluctantly gave her with "paid in full" written on . I'm going to ring in a minute to see if they've had any response.

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Whizzz · 21/09/2005 12:40

Can you try calling on her behalf to explain the situation in a calm business-like manner. This would give them a chance to try & explain themselves & to come & fix whats wrong. If that doesn't get you anywhere, i suggest following the CAB advice.
Could Trading Standards help at all I wonder - the work was clearly sub standard.

zippitippitoes · 21/09/2005 12:50

I would suggest contacting Age Concern in their locality as they have done a lot of work relating to cowboy builders and the elderly and may be able to help resolve the situation

cutekids · 21/09/2005 12:56

thanks everyone! will take all your advice seriously.

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