Job left unfinished

[GreenTulips]

We've just had the bathroom refitted. The builder quoted for all works bar the tiling which we arranged.

He was supposed to come and finish the job last Monday but messaged and asked if Jen could come Wednesday instead. This was inconvenient as we had a family day planned. I messaged back suggesting other days.
Now he's not replying to messages and I know he has a bigger job in a local large company.

Jobs need doing are the electrics and some sealing - puls refitting the bath panel.

So I'm going to assume he says not coming back

I currently owe him £300 - so would it be unreasonable to get the other jobs sorted and deduct any difference in payment? Assuming he returns for payment?

Ring him and leave a message for him to get back to you if necessary asking for him to arrange a convenient time to finish the work by x date. When you say a family day, was anything specific booked? Tbh there needs to be some flexibility all round. I'd have had him back that day and got things finished.

He was supposed to arrive the Monday before and he had something on - we'd booked specifically for the 'extras' the place has on one day a week (market, entertainers etc)

This has been going on for 6 weeks and I've accommodated him every other week - sometimes he'd show up other times it was 8am and then show up at 10:30 - plumber coming, plumber not arrived.
Plaster booked (apparently) but then saw him advertising on FB for a plaster

I think I've been more than flexible - just what todo now he's not answering - and the money I owe

Personally I think he wants to keep us hanging til he gets another slot and I'm back at work next week

I would have thought if you owe him money he will be back. If he has done £300 of labour or spent it already on materials, (presuming you have them in your posession) I don't see how you can make a deduction? I don't understand that. Keep trying to contact him, but start looking for someone else to finish the job, just in case.

The deduction would be say £60 electrics - we could seal etc - £30 to finish the panel (will get quotes/receipts)

So £300 less £90

I think you should summarise to him how long the delay has been, mention that you are struggling to get any response lately, and give him 10 days to finish the work, all in writing (email, and maybe by recorded delivery too).
Then if he doesn't sort it (and he well might), you can withhold the money for missing work, and if he threatens legal action you will be in a much stringer position.

Stronger, not stringer!

My builder said he was coming back to do the last few bits
He then changed his phone number, closed down the email address & sold his house - we have no way of contacting him. Bloody annoying as we have had to pay AGAIN for someone to finish off. I was taking it personally but the friend who recommended him to me can't get hold of him either.

OP you didn't give those details in your opening post! Ring him and give him one last chance and put theball in his court.