I own a house in Wolverhampton. It is worth fuck all. But it's my house and I have no plans to move.
Since I bought it, there has been nothing but setback after setback.
I was offered £15,000 for it by one of those 'we buy houses fast' type dealers which I rejected back in January.
It required full refurbishment, so after my parents died and the inheritance received, I set about finding a builder.
Easier said than done. I contacted numerous contractors who cried off, but eventually found a well reviewed contractor based in Kidderminster on Rated People.
The work started in February/January this year and the work expanded as more and more problems became apparent as old plaster was removed.
The costs rose almost exponentially as a result. From more than the house was worth to more than the house will be worth.
But I'm not a property developer and the work needs to be done.
I called in on site a few times, met electricians, labourers, the main guy and plumbers.
The work appeared to progress. The house seemed lighter and brighter with the wiring done, new doors, new plaster and a kitchen ordered, but it all ground to a halt when the lead water main became apparent and a new ground floor was needed because it was basically concrete laid on bare soil.
The back room, kitchen and ground floor extension floor was finished and work then seems to have stopped.
I was in contact with the builder in June and we met on site.
Damp had become apparent obce again and a new floor was required for the front room with tanking and dpm.
We talked about a finish date and he told me the house would be ready to move into at the end of September.
I paid yet more money directly into his account for materials and skip hire and left him to it.
Nothing has happened since. There has been no progress and I haven't been able to contact him.
To leave at the end of September, I need to give notice tomorrow.
His mobile number is unavailable. His Facebook profile has disappeared. There has been no response by email or through the very snazzy website and I feel like a complete idiot for trusting him.
What do I do now?
I have an address in Kidderminster which I've visited to deliver the keys after Royal Mail posted my keys to me when I sent them by recorded delivery to him. Told you there were setbacks, didn't I.
The house currently has no bathroom or kitchen and is uninhabitable.
I'm going to pay more rent (and council tax and storage fees and everything else) tomorrow.
Do I knock on the door and see what answer I get?
If anybody here knows about builders in Kidderminster, PM me and I'll give you the name of the contractor.