We have paid builder - he has run out of money - we are homeless

[1legmummy]

We had a contract with a builder to renovate and extend our bungalow we agreed a contract and payment plan and kept to it.

He promised it would be finished end of November, then by Christmas then February now he has said he will try to finish but has no money. Where do we stand?

We are idiots and have paid nearly all money.

We have no livable home. Me and two kids with my parents and my Husband living at house.

Where do we stand do we stay nice in case he does what he is promising? My Husband is scared of upsetting him in case he comes back.

We have no windows or doors and need to do something

Any advice on how we stand legally

Thanks

He is in breach of contract and therefore you are entitled to sue him. If he has no money theres not much point! Is his shortage of cash a temporary thing or is he going under?

Contact the CAB they should be able to tell you who to contact

oh shit, how awful.

Sorry I have no real advice, other than to echo Rosa's CAB suggestion, but what an arse!

Do you have a contract with him, or anything written down?

TBh if he has gone bankrupt then you are probably looking at a fairly large loss. Have you got a solicitor?

Contact the Trading Standards office and see what they recommend.
Also try your home insurers - sometimes you will have some cover for this sort of thing, or at least the legal costs.

if he has taken your money, and not done the work, and now has no money, there is not a lot you can do. is your contract in writing? not just verbal? you could take legal advice/ action, but if he has no money, you won;t get far. he might have done this to other people ... there must be some sort of ombudsman for builders ? CAB a good start

you are scared of upsetting him??!! he has taken your money and left you without a home...he should be scared of you!

He may have no money but I suspect he probably owns his own home. Why should he have a roof over his head whilst you are at the mercy of relatives' goodwill? Send him a letter requiring him to complete the work by a set date, indicating that time is of the essence, failing which you will have no option but to issue legal proceedings.

He may have several jobs on the go and be telling all of you the same thing, but will possibly complete the work for the client who shouts the loudest.

Long shot I know - but he may have insurance that covers him.