Hi all
I'm asking for tips and tactics on getting money back for a terrible service I received recently. But I'm not sure I'm in a strong position to go to small claims court.
Basically, a local handyman put my new fence up (I'm on a tight budget, had just bought my first house in a new area and so had no recommendations to go on). It was a shoddy job - he didn't even finish it. Stupidly I paid him, and it wasn't until a couple of weeks later someone pointed out what a terrible job he'd made of it. Railings were on upside down. Concrete posts were not the same height, he's taken a part of capping from my neighbour's fence but hasn't returned it, he swore he couldn't find capping (it's online), he didn't use enough wooden boards, he left exposed nails and screws sticking out of the wood, and more. He agreed to a partial refund and even gave me an update saying he was about to transfer the money - surprise, it hasn't arrived. He's also said he'd return the capping from my neighbour's fence, but hasn't done that either so I guess that's theft!
I'm recovering from an illness at the moment and am already fed up with his charade, but I also don't want him to get away with this ridiculous attitude to work.
Any advice?
Thanks all