In response to several questions on this subject, from someone who was successful at Court earlier this year in obtaining a CCJ for substandard workmanship against a builder.....It is worth the effort. I had 18 months of grief from a local builder in Farnborough, Hampshire. I was fooled by his popularity in the locality, and smarminess, and didnt question why he does not advertise anywhere (!!??) This one man band with one helper, blamed me and accepted no liability whatsoever for any of his mistakes. I had professional second opinions on his work, he laughed them off. I called in a Forensic Expert witness who compiled me a 44 page document of all his substandard work, with Building Regs breached, he dismissed it. So we went to Small Claims Court earlier this year, and he still blamed me. Guess what, I won, nearly every single area of my claim. I still needed bailiffs, but he paid up. Now he has a CCJ. It is well worth it to see the smile wiped off their faces. A lot of tradesmen rely on the fact that most people do not want the grief !! Do your homework, be patient, follow correct procedures and its easily possible to obtain justice. There is loads of advice out there of how to do it !!
Advice before instructing builder .......
Are they recognised with FMB ?
Do they belong to any Trade Association ? If not they are unaccountable to anyone.
Do they advertise on professional builders sites ? If not, ask why ?
Check companies house, are their details correct and up to date, is their company dissolved ??
Do they charge VAT, do they show VAT number, check everything out.
A little homework could save you thouands of pounds, and months of misery. Speak to lots of previous customers. Some may be happy, but find out how they behave when things do go wrong !!
Finally, the gem : Always check the online CCJ register. For a few pounds you can check on their past.