Is my builder being dodgy?

[yorkie99]

Basement conversion which involves raising the ceiling of the room above. When they took out the old floor they found stone flags underneath - I didn’t realise they were worth anything until I told a friend (the builder never mention it). At first - when I raised the fact they were worth something - he told me he’d sell them which would cover the cost of taking them up. Then he said a guy had offered him £300 for them which quickly rose to £500 when I hesitated. I have asked about having them cleaned up and relayed which he has tried to talk me out of citing it will be too cold and now telling me relaying them will cost £1800. I happened to come home today when another builder was there who said they are beautiful and worth at least 1k.

So, is he actively trying to rip me off or just doesn’t want to relay them (they would have to be carried down into the basement)? Is £500 a fair price for them? Is £1800 a fair price to lay them? The room is 3.5x3.5 approx. Please help!

I have recently been looking at paving and yorkstone flags are worth a lot over £150 a square metre. I don't know what flagstones you have but that gives you an idea. No idea of the cost of relaying them.

We've got the original stone flags in our cellar with underfloor heating and they're great. We cleaned them up ourselves once relaid with brushes and cleaner. I'd reuse them if you can.