Kitchen fitters cracked induction hob

[CeciliaMars]

We recently had new worktops fitted. We are really happy with them, however, the day after we were fitted, we went to use our electric induction hob and its got a crack right from one side to the other! It was definitely not like that before the kitchen fitters were here. It’s unusable as liquid could now seep into the crack where the electrics are. I phoned the kitchen guys and they did a big ‘well you can’t prove it wasn’t already cracked’ speech, then he said ‘find out how much it will cost to fix and then call me again’. I’ve now found out the the job is £1100 to replace (it’s a very specific size so only one type we can buy) plus about £100 for fitting. I’m going to call him back tomorrow and tell him this, but can I ask what you would be expecting from them? I’m gutted that we now will have to pay this when it was a perfectly good job and we don’t have the money spare to fix it.

You can't prove who caused the damage so I don't think you can force them to pay if they decide not to. A court wouldn't act without proof.

I would be very disappointed in the contractor, and if they refused to pay for the damage, I would be tempted to resort to Google Reviews and Trustpilot to warn others about the company's lack of honesty and professionalism.

They will be aware that you could damage their reputation, so hopefully you will be able to negotiate a settlement.

If you can prove it was him I’d expect his public liability cover to pick up the tab, though the excess (his problem) might be more than the cost of the job. If you can’t prove it was him then either claim on your own contents insurance for accidental damage, or hope for some goodwill from the kitchen fitters. I think you’d be on dodgy ground giving him a negative review without evidence, but I guess it depends how litigious they think it’s worth being…