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Original poster

dh think we are getting shafted (so to speak)

14 replies

theladyvanishes · 09/08/2006 14:10

ok we are due to get an extension and didnt get the planning permission until a few weeks back, anyway we had the builder booked (he came recommended from other houses in our area) now when i've tried ringing him he says he'll ring back and never does or just doesn't answer his phone. I know he works alone (he does have some young lads working with him) and he is very busy but I really want to get started or at least have a start date (we are having other things done to the house as well and they will all end up happening at once which i don't want)

so are we being led merrily up the garden path or is he genuinely busy and forgetting to ring, should I keep try to call him (feel like such a pest tho)

OP posts:
suejonez · 09/08/2006 14:23

ring and leave a message saying that you understand that he's very busy but that if herings you back and gives you a date, then you'll leave him in peace!

throckenholt · 09/08/2006 14:26

can you find out where he is working at the moment and nip round to speak to him in person ?

NotQuiteCockney · 09/08/2006 14:30

How long have you been trying to reach him? This would ring alarm bells for me - how well do you know the people who recommended him?

Maybe something's gone wrong, in terms of timing, on the job he's on now (as always happens!) and he's not good at giving bad news?

hairymclary · 09/08/2006 14:31

i wouldn't bother tbh. If he is that busy then you wn't get your work done for ages. If he can't even be bothered to ring you back then he obviously doesn't want your money,
get someone who CAN be bothered.

foxinsocks · 09/08/2006 14:32

where are you? If you are in an area where builders are in demand I would keep pestering him. I have had quotes from builders recently and the ones that have been recommended have 1-2 year waiting lists!!

clumsymum · 09/08/2006 14:33

I would guess that he has plenty of work on at the moment, and can't predict when he'll be able to start, but doesn't want to lose the business, so he's just trying to make you hold on until he knows when his current jobs will finish.

I don't think you're being 'shafted' (unless you have already paid him something), he's just hedging his bets.

If I were you, I'd tell him that you will get another builder, unless he can contact you by (name a day) with a proposed start date.

Mind you, you'll probably get the same problem with every small builder.

ZippiZapata · 09/08/2006 14:34

have you given him any money or agreed a start date if no and no then he is clearly busy and you will have to wait patiently..he will just get fed up with being badgered if you keep ringing him and they hate that.

If you have given money and he is elusive i would be worried.

The best builders are always busy and if it's only been a few weeks and he is both available soon and good then you wil be lucky..in this area a twelve month wait is typical

joelallie · 09/08/2006 14:37

He doesn't want that work I'd suggest. Or now finds he can't fit it in before the winter comes. Sorry but that is usually the way when builders or workmen of any kind don't get back to you. Timing of building jobs isn't an exact science. Might be an excellent builder but crap communicator. Sadly it's usually the too busy ones that are really good - if he jumped at the chance and was knocking at your door next morning at 6am, you'd have to wonder why...

However if you really want him to do the work don't be embarrassed at being a nuisance. Just keep on nagging.

Original poster
theladyvanishes · 09/08/2006 14:46

I just wish he'd phoned and said i'm starting something else whilst your planning is going thro and you may have to wait, we have to send in the building notice which takes another 3wks to be passed so we will be looking at sept before anything happens (want it done by xmas) he's done other houses on the estate which i have been and seen (really good) but i do know he is still finishing odd cosmetic jobs on one property which he started work on at the end of last xmas!

OP posts:
ZippiZapata · 09/08/2006 14:48

that sounds very optimistic schedule wise

Original poster
theladyvanishes · 09/08/2006 14:51

we are extending above and behind the garage and surely it can't take any longer than 3mths (unless bad weather which i know affected that other house he did) dh said he wouldn't be bothered at all if he'd come out and see us and go thro the plans and give us a start date and that would keep me happy too i suppose

OP posts:
ZippiZapata · 09/08/2006 14:58

builders tend to not think about up and coming jobs in that way..they are usually in the here and now with current ones

as long as they are working every day that is how they are by and large

VanishingLadyAppears · 11/08/2006 10:14

spoke to him yesterday (feel better now) he is waiting on a quote from the brickie (who is on holiday so no chance of him getting back anytime soon) once he has the quote he is coming round to see us, but he couldn't give us a start date which is fair enough. I almost rang another company up coz i was getting so fed up, anyway got a new sofa coming beginning of sept and fire surround end of sept so we are going for a new floor today

KTeepee · 11/08/2006 10:18

I am having trouble getting builders to quote where I am - they are all really busy and our extension will probably be a PITA for them to build (small but complicated!) If they don't retuen phone calls I am assuming they are not interested....

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