Dodgy workman

[Parker28]

Hi, as you can see on the picture the plaster on the ceiling has all peeled off. Long story short we got a plasterer in that had been recommended to us by a work colleague. He came today, got a lift from his girlfriend. He said that he had a drink driving ban, so couldn't drive himself. He had to wait for almost two hours once ready to leave for his girlfriend to come and pick him back up. Anyway he's said that he needs to come back, take the coving off and put boards on it. Whilst here he said that he has bipolar and likes to drink. He also said that he occasionally takes drugs. Whilst waiting for his life he drank a bottle of vodka in the garden which is a massive red flag. all he did whilst at the house from 1 till 5 was put plastic on the floor, put around 12 screws in the ceiling and take the lights down. He's left his tools in the garage and said he'll come back on Monday. The original quote was £200 but now he said it's going to be £400. Any advice from fellow plasterers? Plus how the hell do I get rid of him, especially with his tools being in my garage

He doesn't know what he's doing and doesn't care. In your shoes I'd make sure I had a burly man with me for when he comes round again and tell him to take his tools and go. Get a proper plasterer in and take the hit on the money.

And if he doesn't collect the tools then take them to the police station if there are any power tools in there. The guy doesn't sound the most legit!

Have a word with your work colleague that recommended him! I would only recommend someone I was confident would be a decent person and do a good job.

Tricky now you're in this situation though! Might be worth googling him and seeing if he has reviews. Now he has done some work I presume he'll expect some money, so not just as easy as saying no thanks now.

I've tried to google him. Couldn't find any information on him. He said that Id have to pay him for today if I decide to not go ahead but don't know how much he'll charge for just the small bit of work despite being here for 4 hours, he was only working for around an hour

It sounds very dodgy. Perhaps worth contacting Trading Standards for advice?

Did the cost only go up once he'd started doing work?

It is unbelievable that this sort of thing can still go on, an industry that everyone relies on to maintain their homes but unless you know someone in construction you can never really trust them and just have to hope you don't get screwed over too badly. There's no real oversight and the few good tradespeople are outnumbered by cowboys.

Phone him and tell him you're not happy with the work. His tools will be on the front steps at 5pm for collection.

It has come off because he hasn't put any scrim tape over the joins in the boards. That is literally plastering training day 1 stuff. Don't let him come back and don't pay him. He isn't a plasterer. He is just a random guy who is having a go at plastering at your expense.

It was already off when we rung him. My dad pulled it off because there was a crack in the ceiling and he thought he could fix it 😂

Ah right. So thats the pic of before he has started?

Yes

OP - your opening post was misleading. The photo is what you need a plasterer to put right. The guy you've employed has only put down plastic sheeting, taken down a light fitting (safely?), put a few screws in the plasterboard and drunk a bottle of vodka: is that correct? Put his tools outside. Tell him to collect them and not return. Pay him for what he's done so far and no more. I'm not sure your account of what he has actually done is accurate given how you started the thread.

He has threatened you essentially so I think I'd call the police for advice if he's saying he won't leave or you need to pay him double his quote for him to go.

I've read it back and don't believe it was misleading, however I do apologise if it has come across that way. He said he was coming for 10, delayed it till after lunch. Told me on the phone he thinks he's not the most reliable. He's looked at it, put some screws up, put some plastic down and then sat in the garden for an hour and a half waiting for his lift to come and whilst waiting he drank a bottle of vodka with some sparkling water as a mixer. I'm not sure why I'd lie about this? He's left his tools in my garage and said he will order the boards and come back next week if I choose to go ahead

Just text him today, tell him not to order anything for you.
if he's already ordered it ask for copy / link to what and price.

Say you dont feel he is suitable to do the job unprofessional drinking etc.

Tell him you will pay him some money when he comes to get his tools and anything ordered on receipt (up to you if it's worth paying first quote or a bit less) but get rid now so he knows before Monday.

Maybe have someone with you on Monday just in case he gets annoyed .