Background: DH and I bought our first house about 18 months ago. The garden is crap, and I was keen to get it sorted this year so we’d have the use of it with the kids during the summer.
We have got friendly with a local tradesman- good reputation, does a lot of jobs around the village, our neighbours are close family of his etc. He gave us a quote for what we wanted at a rate I was happy to pay and we’ve arranged a start date for next week.
We agreed to pay him half upfront and half upon completion and have made the first payment. He’s given us written terms.
DH has just come home from speaking to another neighbour who mentioned in passing that Tradesman has previously been done for fraud and there’s rumours he’s been gambling again.
I’m now wondering if we’re about to be/already been shafted. It’s just gossip at this stage, but I can’t say I’m not worried. Compared to the cost of a house it’s not huge money (£5k), but it’s a lot to lose and have nothing to show for it.
I’m just looking for a bit of advice on how to navigate things. I’m conscious that people are allowed to have made mistakes in the past and change bla bla bla but… he has my money!