Dealing with builder - support please!

[FrancesPow]

Hi,

We're coming to the end of a ground floor extension and kitchen installation. We're almost there internally, the plumber and electrician are still to come to install the new appliances, there's a bit of old kitchen still to be ripped out and plastering and floors to be laid. The builder estimates another couple of weeks for the internals. Then they've got to render the outside, finish the drainage and lay a new patio.

So far we haven't had any major problems with the builders, they've made a few mess ups and they're pretty slow, but nothing you'd write to Watchdog about, and we've been on good terms so far.

My problem is the boss wants all but £1000 of the final payment now even though there's still a good few weeks left to go. We've already paid 80% of the quote plus agreed extras so we feel he shouldn't have any more money until he's at least finished inside and we can move into the kitchen. He's had more than enough money to do this. I know we're in the right but I'm such a wimp and hate confrontation and I'm nervous about putting my foot down. I am a SAHM and have to be around them all day.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? I need some hand-holding!

Don't do it. Work out how much the remaining work would cost to have done by someone else and make sure you withhold that. It took me three months to get the sodding builder to finish off after I gave him his final payment and I didn't withold enough to cover it.

My husband is a builder and always does three payment a a third upfront until foundation level a third while building and final payment of a third on completion of job. Always seems fair all around .

Hi my dh is a builder and always splits payment into three one upfront to foundation level one while building and final payment on completion of job. Always seemed fair way to do it.

kittentwo that's exactly the way our builder did it too.

Don't do it. Even the best, most honest builder might be tempted to slow down on your job. You say they are slow already, so don't give them any incentive to be slower.

Thanks, everyone, I'll do my best to stand firm.