my builder won't return my calls ... what to do?

[ShiningWit]

Recently had bathroom redone, good builders though not brilliant at communicating.

Job finished and all paid up, 2 days later I notice there are cracks in a couple of tiles in shelves they built into the shower area. Called builder, he said no problem, he'd give me a call about when someone would come and fix. This was the beginning of last week. Since then, nothing.

I've texted him and called him (his phone just rings, he doesn't use voicemail). But no response. Given Christmas next week, all I want right now is a temporary fix eg with grout or sealant - but if he won't talk to me what can I do?

This is so frustrating - he's not going to come back without a fight. Do you know where he lives? Start off by sending a letter registered to his address and if he doesn't respond to that then go round and doorstep him. If that doesn't work, you can threaten small claims court or, in my case, I told them that I would talk to the tax fraud people (it's rare to find a builder who doesn't try to get as much work in cash as possible so it's quite a good threat to make) - that got him back. But you have to be really determined, especially if you live in a big city where the builder isn't going to be reliant on word of mouth.

thanks lala - I have emailed him this morning setting out the problem, and saying what I want him to do about it and by when.

Have asked him to call me first thing Monday (his phone is turned off at weekends).

I got his details off a site (publicised via channel 4 website) which recommends builders, so I do have a chance to voice my annoyance there as they ask for and publicise feedback, but otherwise you are right not much I can do other than start to take the heavy handed approach. Which is also the time-consuming and stressful approach, I really don't want to have to go to his house! Grrr. I have spent a fortune on this as well because I wanted it done properly and to last.

Also, have you tried calling him on a number that he hasn't seen before?