Help me be more assertive ... Plumber

[nrpmum]

He took 8 weeks to complete the boiler and bathroom installation that should have taken a maximum of 3 weeks. He had a 1 day delay of work (replacing plasterboard where it had blown by the back door). This cost another £125. I have the money, but I am loathe to give it to him because of the delay and his lack of communication.

His cleaner was dreadful and has left grout dust all over the tiles with thick clumps in some areas that I am going to have to scrub. He has left the towel rail loose (although I can do this) amongst other minor snags.

On top of this I now need to buy 5 additional weeks of parking permits (he was in most days, just for a short period of time by the look of it) which are going to cost £210.

How do I respond to him asking for the additional monies? Or should I just pay it and chalk it up to experience.

Do you have his email? Email him your list of complaints. Do you have his estimate of 3 weeks in writing? Is he registered to any trade body? How did you find him? does he have a website? I would take photos/video before you repair stuff.

The blown plasterboard cost you need to suck up. Could you bargain some of it up against the parking permits?

The parking permits is a major issue, agreed.

Do you have a written quotation which also states what he will/won't be responsible for? In other words can't easily complain about cleaning if doesn't state that he will take responsibility for that. Did you have anything in writing about the timescale? 8 weeks is a long time unless you have a palatial bathroom, had similar work and then a lot of additional stuff and only took four. But if you didn't agree a schedule for the work hard to complain I think. I agree with PP do a list of snags, and photograph the visible ones for evidence, and go from there.

It's a bit late to be assertive now, should have done that 5 weeks ago,

What was the arrangement re the parking?

Yes we do have a written quote regarding timescales and costs. We have complained several times regarding timescales, and have taken photos of the snags. All we ever got was a half arsed apology and 'its out of my hands'.

The written quotation also advised he would absorb any additional cost unless over X amount, which it was not.

He was recommended through a friend who is an excellent painter and decorator.

Parking had to be via permit as only residents can get permits here. Trouble is we have a dog sitter stay when we go away and we now have to buy more permits because we no longer have enough, which would not have been an issue if he had taken 3 weeks instead of 8.