Tradesman / decorator problem

[Carlton Banks]

ALL!

Will make this short and sweet.

I am getting some renovations performed on my property - interior work such as new skirting, door frames, architrave, plastering, new floors etc

This job was supposed to take less than 1 month and he priced the job as such - a fixed fee for labour with some science behind it - ie. cost per day and an estimate for materials.

We even discussed the timeframe and he said 3-4 weeks would be plenty.

The job has overrun to 6 weeks now and the second issue is that he has decided to not turn up and avoid calls for the last week.

He says he will come and complete the job etc but keeps making excuses each day. He is avoiding calls and picks up.

I have paid him 60% to date based upon materials / after the first two weeks however the remaining balance comprises of labour / materials and a few other additional things.

I feel like he has either decided my job isn't a priority or he has taken the money and decided to con me.

I have attempted to be as amicable as possible but I am not sure which avenue I should take (eg. get someone else in or demand a partial refund).

The other half is going mad about the state of the property and quite frankly, it is also depressing me somewhat as our place is like a building site.

Any advice or p1sstaking appreciated to cheer me up.

Carlton.

Edited by Carlton Banks on Tuesday 14th April 16:49

[Carlton Banks]

Thanks guys,

I would say that 60% could have been completed but it is also the hassle factor as the job should have been finished.

Anyway, lesson learnt and have found a couple of other contractors who are aware I am currently having a Michael Douglas moment from 'Falling Down' and have agreed on payment upon completion - sub £1000 worth of work remaining.

R