Should I pay builder for sick day?

[BoysRule]

Just after a quick bit of advice. We have a builder in our house at the moment who is on roughly a 5 week job (just as long as it takes to finish rather than a set time). We are paying him his daily rate plus materials. He is off sick today - do we pay him for it?

I'd say no - as in, you're under no obligation to. He's self-employed presumably.

Absolutely not. Unfortunately this is one of the pitfalls of being self employed.

No, but presumably he will just finish the job one day later? The actual cost will be the same as no of days will stay the same.

No, he's working for you on a time and materials basis - you only pay for the time he actually works.

No definatley not

No. It's the downside of self employment. I don't expect to get paid for days I can't walk the client's dogs.

you should have got him to give you a price to finish the job rather than a daily rate - how do you know hes going to finish the job in a reasonable time rather than string it out and fleece you?

Thanks everyone.
Peggyundercrackers - it's not an ideal situation but we had a set time to do the job before we moved in and didn't have time to get quotes etc. I trust him though - he came highly recommended.

God no! And I speak as the wife of a builder. Totally uncalled for.

No, definitely not. You're not his employer, he's self-employed so responsible for ensuring he works an extra day or extra hours over the duration of his contract with you to ensure completion.

No, you don't pay him for it. Also, if he goes over his time estimate, don't pay him without a reasonable explanation regarding unforseen events etc.