Dodgy builders

[TreTops]

We have recently started an extension downstairs. We signed up with the builders at end of January and they originally said they would start mid April and then we have been palmed off with in the next few weeks for a few months they have finally started this week.

Last week when they didn't turn up for the third agreed time, we did some digging and found out there is a quite a few cases them with trading standards some have foundations done but nothing more and some nothing.

We have paid them 35% upfront so at the moment are playing dum in the hope that they finish the foundations and then when they ask for more money tell them to do one and find someone else to finish the build. They have already asked for more money as building regs are due to inspect foundations. I'm hoping I can string it out until the foundations are fully completed.

The money we have paid upfront is more than the foundations are worth but think it's safer to cut our losses and Change builders.

Has anyone change builders part way through the build? Did it work out in the end?

Do you have a contract with them?

I think the tricky but will be finding a builder prepared to take over someone else's work. But if you think you'll have bigger trouble later then run a mile. Be sure to get the work so far valued so you can claim the money back for the rest. Beware of him claiming you're in breach of contract, make sure you check the facilities for terminating the contract and follow them.

Thanks,we have a scope of works and a payment schedule, not sure if this counts as a contract.

After speaking to trading standards the chances of them finishing the work seems really remote.

I'm going through similar but haven't got as far as trading standards yet!
Ours started on time but once the foundations were done it stalled! Between the 19th May & 23rd of June the bricklayers turned up for 4 days. The site , my garden, is an absolute tip & unsafe at times!
Constant lies from the guy we're dealing with! It's chaotic at best! Even yesterday we had email at 715am to say he was coming round to discuss next weeks plans but he never did!
It is so stressful , I've turned from a happy excited not bothered about mess customer in to some sort of swearing harridan! It's awful!
With regard to the building regs - could you make payment for this directly to Council, that's what we did!

With regard to someone else taking it on, I thought no one would be interested but have found 2 builders already without even trying too hard!