Builders trying to charge me when they didn't give a quote

[workoholic]

Hello, it's a long story but the first bathroom job I got done by a major retailer was horrific, so a teams come in to fix it.

With this building company we discussed putting some raised beds and posts in my garden as soon as possible (as its summer), but I said can you let me know the cost (a quote) multiple times.... he was like yeah yeah yeah I will do. I didn't hear anything which i assumed was because his family member died. In the mean time the fitters have been doing the bathroom.

Yesterday, a bunch of material turns up unexpectedly so i refused it as i hadn't agreed a quote for the job yet. I was trying to phone him like wtf?, and he said he had alot on so hadn't had time and would work out the quote for me (bit late mate!)

The quote being double what it should be - trying to mug me off. So i said no at the earliest opportunity.

This morning I woke up to a message that I am expecting stone/soil etc, as they were going to start the job today (no one told me!!!!!) and if it turns up then don't send them away as he is trying to cancel it (in my head i was thinking well I'm not accepting this delivery!) He then messaged saying there's a £520 cancellation fee for this material.

Considering I got a quote after this has all been put on order, before agreeing to the job. For example i already have lots of the stone down i said i'd get more from gravel master, and he said he would ask his contact and i said LET ME KNOW - can i just check that this isn't my fee to pay - as i did not agree in the first place. I did not agree a quote, i did not agree to work starting on Wednesday - i literally knew nothing.

I did the right thing throughout and being - i asked for the cost, wasn't given it and then he tried to put me on the spot to accept the job without a quote even made.

I just want to check thoughts here please.

Ask to see a copy of the contract where you have agreed to all of this...

No quote has been accepted. Ask for evidence. As above no contract no work. Refuse delivery as then you become responsible

There is no proof anywhere that you actioned to or consented to this work!
You don't have to pay anything. What on earth is he thinking having tonnes of stuff delivered without you even agreeing?
Tell him it's his crap and he must have it removed. As soon as the bathroom is complete never speak to them again! If he refuses to shift the stuff, just say you'll class it as abandoned and sell it for scrap.

He’s trying to bully her into a really expensive job and will probably just feign confusion and say “well you need it doing anyway don’t you? I can give you a £150 reduction for the inconvenience.”

Put a massive yellow sign on your front door:

THIS JOB WAS NOT AUTHORISED AND ANY ATTEMPTS AT DELIVERY OF MATERIALS WILL BE REFUSED

If they come knocking anyway, point to it and say “so off you pop.”

The only way to deal with manipulative bullies is to be exceptionally firm with them.

Refuse the delivery. Let him take you to small claims. He’ll get laughed out of court. Cheeky Fer!

Omg you poor thing, I sympathise

You have no contract with him. Send him that in writing and tell him that you will refuse all deliveries as you have never agreed to any work.

He then messaged saying there's a £520 cancellation fee for this material.

And presumably, he didn't say he would cover that cost?

I didn't hear anything which i assumed was because his family member died.

Do you know the deceased relative or know anyone that did?

Because that sounds like the sort of excuse someone would use to get whatever it is they want. 'The dog ate my homework.'

Poor builder, run down and emotional from family death. Must be easy to get confused when you're going through all that, eh?

I would be texting him saying as you have not given me a quote for this work and I have not accepted or agreed to your non-quote then you can call the dogs off and not have any deliveries to my house with your crap. I will be turning them all away. Screw him - he is bullying you and hoping that you will give in.

This is definitely not on you. Even if you had wanted them to do the work, you may not have wanted them to do it until September. He can’t just decide he’s doing the work and start ordering things. If he loses money this is on him! And do not pay him anything for the bathroom until it’s finished.

⬆️ this

Totally dodgy. Says everything about this wanker that in a business where word of mouth recommendations are everything, he behaves in this cavalier fashion, attempting to bully you into compliance. He will have a long list of similar run-ins.

Engage with him firmly but minimally. nothing to get his teeth into. along the lines of: "Hello. Despite your quotation for the job being declined, you have nonetheless unaccountably attempted to have building materials delivered. Any attempt to deliver building materials will be refused. If any are left on my property it will be your responsibility to remove them".

Hmm. I am a bit surprised by the advice given . I would go about it differently myself. I would have allowed the builder to do the jobs and then negotiated the price afterwards.
You had no contract, but you wanted the work done. He had the materials, the time frame, availability to do the job. OK, he didn't follow standard procedure.
But the main thing is to get the job done and everyone is happy. You will have saved the builder a lot of hanky panky time wasting. Once the job is done you hold the power to pay what you think it was worth.

Yes I have done this several times. ;) .

Blimey, mad advice, he could charge the OP literally any amount....

This just gave me PTSD, as had similar builders 2 years ago. Nightmare! You have my sympathy

Lol to this.... it's a rubbish situation to be in, and literally leaves you speechless!

Thanks everyone.

We currently aren't speaking but going through the fitter who put the bathroom in mainly, his been delaying putting my mastic in which has been annoying, but I've told the retailer about these issues now to get them to push the job to completion then I can end the relationship for good.

This thread reminds of those who often do drives, fencing and gardens

They are bullies. Often its word of mouth for smaller jobs,
OP, as you asked for a quote, stick to your guns,
don't hesitate to call the police. If you do need the police, IMO, they wont just fob you off as I'm guessing they are only too aware of this kind of thing

Let us know how it went!!