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Kitchen fitter has driven into my garage wall. What shall I do now?

13 replies

sparkler · 21/09/2007 10:35

Fitter I will refer to as G.

Has caused damage which needs a lot of work doing. We are currently awaiting a written estimate from one lot of buiders at the moment.

Firstly G said that he would try and push the brick pillar back in as you can imagine we said "er no, leave it we will get someone to look at it". Then G said to us to arrange to get it looked at and sort it out with cash. Although he hasn't said outright he obviously wants to do this on the quiet side and doesn't want to go through B&Q (who we have purchased the kitchen through and who has made the fitting arrangements for us).

G has been an absolutely wonderful kitchen fitter, has done everything exactly how we wanted it and more besides. He has been kind and very helpful. But now this has happened it's made things very awkward for the last few days.

Today we have the kitchen inspector coming to have a look at the work that's been done and to see how we feel about it all. Now, do we mention the garage to him? We want to cover ourselves all along the way and are worried that once G has left us we won't have a leg to stand on if we haven't told someone else about the damage. I can't help feel bad though even though I know it's totally his fault and we are in no way to blame.

Would you mention it to inspector or just go ahead and arrange it outside? I think we will mention it - need to cover our backs.

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flowerybeanbag · 21/09/2007 10:38

Mention it, as you say, if he doesn't come good with the cash and you have said to the inspector that you are happy with everything you'll struggle.

chopchopbusybusy · 21/09/2007 10:39

I'd definitely mention it. G should have some third party liability insurance cover - but - if he doesn't then I think some of the responsibility could fall on B & Q (I assume they have recommended G).

RubberDuck · 21/09/2007 10:40

Oh no... what an awkward situation.

I think I'd mention it but feel horribly guilty doing so. Do you need to mention it to your insurers too?

This is what I dislike about sorting things out in cash away from insurers - it can backfire badly if it causes problems later on.

SlightlyMadSweden · 21/09/2007 10:44

I would mention it - but I suspect that the onus will be on the fitter rather than B&Q in anycase as he will be a sub-contractor or as you said an independant recommendation.

sparkler · 21/09/2007 11:20

It is a really awkward situation. I have no idea if G has cover. DH seems to think he probably doesn't and that's why he mentioned cash the other day.

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fireflyfairy2 · 21/09/2007 11:22

If he's self employed he should have public liability insurance.

Though I don't know if this would cover him driving into something!

sparkler · 21/09/2007 11:25

Looks like he's gonna be in some trouble and I feel bad for doing this to him.

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mrsmcready · 21/09/2007 11:28

if he's driven into your wall it has nothing to do with his public liabilty insurance it is pure and simple motor insurance, If he doesn't have it then he's breaking the law.

BigGitDad · 21/09/2007 18:41

I agree with mcready, it is to do with his car insurance and that is the route you should be going down

sparkler · 22/09/2007 21:48

Right the B&Q kitchen inspector came in to speak to me on Friday to see how I felt the work was going. Told him I was 100% pleased with how the kitchen had turned out and that the fitters had been fantastic. He said great and went to pick up his clipboard until I said,
"the only thing that's probably not so great though"
..he put down his clipboard...
"is my garage!"

I took him out to see the damage and he was as good as gold. Told me not to worry. To get a quote for repair. Let him know by e-mail and he would send us a cheque for the amount to get it fixed. He said he didn't want it to take a long time to sort and to get it down as soon as possible. Well, can't argue with that can you?

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SlightlyMadSweden · 22/09/2007 22:58

Wow, so B&Q are not washing their hands of resposibility? I thought it would be totally out of their scope of responsibility.

I bet you are glad you mentioned it?

sparkler · 22/09/2007 23:07

Absolutely! I know a conversation was had out in the garden between the inspector and the fitter when I wasn't around and they were there for quite a long time. Either the fitter was getting a right ole rolicking or the pair of them were discussing where they were going to get their Friday night pint?

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NannyL · 23/09/2007 10:22

slightly off thread but i had a delivery from B&Q for a bathroom...
while they were unloading the van theyaccidently dropped and smashed a pot of paint all over the floor on the parking area where i park my car (Not my own, but given its outside my house its normally my car, unless neighbours visitors get their 1st)

they put a LITTLE bit of sand on it (not enough)

I came back in the dark and drove through it... i had emulsion paint ALL over my wheels and a few splatters on the paintwork (around wheel arves)of my car. As it was emulsion it came off easily.

I drove my car to B&Q (I literally live just round the corner from it anyway). they were most apologetic and agreed to pay for the whole car to be valeted

I was impressed with that!

Got my car valted and simply took the receipt to customer services who refunded me in full!

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