Building work due to start in 10 days time and builder has gone off sick for 3 months - WWYD?

[MonChoufleur123]

Work on our house (loft conversion & ground floor wrap around extension) were due to begin in 10 days time... Builder has Called to say he has an injury, needs surgery and is likely to be off work for 3 months. He's said they could start in October instead. But this would leave us with no kitchen in the depths of winter.
We were due to stay at a relative's house for a few weeks while the most disruptive work was taking place but with this delay that's no longer possible. Trying to find somewhere to rent for 6 weeks (especially over Christmas) would add a massive cost. We've already cleared out a lot of furniture and are paying for a storage unit. WWYD? Do we go ahead? Or leave it until next year when we will have to get new quotes and costs could be higher anyway? We have a 1 year old and a 4 year old and will both be working... TIA.

I would bet that he's not interested in the job any more. There are very few builders that just rely on one person - so a reputable builder would have others that could continue the work even if he himself personally couldn't do it. I would think that he can't now make a profit on it (or as big a profit) or that he's got another job that offers a better return. I'd probably say yes, you'll go ahead in October but start making enquiries with other builders now as he'll probably make another excuse in October.

I think he is fobbing you off. He’s probably taken another job and doesn’t want yours anymore.

I agree the timing is so late it has made us a bit suspicious... Here came highly recommended tho by two people we know so it's a bit surprising.