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Exterior Painting - think neighbour got swindled

5 replies

MummytoMog · 18/09/2013 14:04

I have an elderly neighbour who I'm friendly with, but not going round for tea friendly. I had noticed the woodwork on the front of her house needed painting (think mock tudor beamwork) and was going to ask her if she wanted my brother to do it when he does mine next week. Anyway, got home last night and builders told me that some bloke had been up a ladder for a couple of hours yesterday doing it, and that she had paid him £500 because they saw her counting it out. I looked out this morning and clearly half of it hasn't been done because it is still peeling. I now feel terrible, because while I don't think she struggles for money, I hate people taking advantage. Am I being unfair, does it actually cost a lot to have exterior woodwork painted? And should I mention the bits which aren't done? She must have agreed to it, as she can see perfectly well and will have gone out to look at it. I don't want to cause offence, but I just don't think it was £500 worth of work. And if she has their contact details, I kind of want to report them to someone.

OP posts:
Daisybell1 · 18/09/2013 16:38

It sounds like it could be the kind of thing on daytime tv where vulnerable elderly people are exploited by cowboy builders. Saying that, I had all my window frames and woodwork painted and it was £650...

It may be worth a call to either trading standards or age uk to explain the situation and ask for their advice?

Lemonandrose · 18/09/2013 17:56

Most tradesmen have a going rate of 120-150 per day.

nicelyneurotic · 18/09/2013 18:47

You sound like a lovely neighbour. I would tell her and ask if she wants you to give them a call to come back and do the bits they missed.

SquinkiesRule · 18/09/2013 22:25

Ask her who did hers as yours is going to be done soon, then get their info and report them.

Hawkmoth · 18/09/2013 22:30

This is definitely something the local police would Be interested in. Sadly, she's probably at risk of return visits or further crime if they know she has money in the house and would benefit greatly from some professional advice from her community Bobbie.

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