Builder splashes cement on my car, what can I do?
Discussion
Not sure what section this goes under so Mods feel free to move it.
Bit of background first. I'm a student living in Brighton and like many city centres I can't park near my house in the centre because the waiting list for a permit is longer than my tenancy. So I park my car a few minutes away in a mate's street as there is ample parking there. The street is very wide so cars parallel park down one side and diagonal-bay park down the other. I always park as near my mates house as I can, I've been doing this for months now without a problem. Until today.
First thing this morning my mate's flatmate put the photo below on facebook showing a builder mixing up cement next to my car. I wasn't particularly happy about this so had breakfast and headed over to the car.
When I got to the car all the stuff was still there but no sign of the builder. I then looked at the car, and all down the side were lots of specs of cement stuck to it, some large ones, and some on the wheels. All but the ones on the wheel were not totally dry so seemed to just wipe off the car without trouble. I wasn't best pleased that cement had dried onto my wheels, (thankfully they need a refurb anyway) but as a matter of principle I wanted to speak the builder. Also that there was two car widths of space the other side of where he was working and he had setup right next to me. I had no idea what house he was in but luckily the first door bell I tried was the right one, an older couple let me in and led me to the back of the house where he was working. I explained that I wasn't very happy about where he had setup work, or the fact he had got cement on the car. His response: "Oh I thought I got most of what splashed onto it off, I got a big bit on the wheel arch but wiped it off with my thumb" He then tried to say about how clean he was. In all fairness he seemed like a reasonable chap. I warned him that I would be checking the car over, and should he wish to mix cement near my car again and splash anything on it I will be sending him the repair bill. I also advised him on where better to mix cement. I then moved the car and won't be parking it near there again.
Am I over-reacting to this, or was I right to speak to him and warn him about his actions? What does PH think? If I find there is more damage or worse if this happens again how would I go about getting the repair bill paid for, or would that even be possible?
Bit of background first. I'm a student living in Brighton and like many city centres I can't park near my house in the centre because the waiting list for a permit is longer than my tenancy. So I park my car a few minutes away in a mate's street as there is ample parking there. The street is very wide so cars parallel park down one side and diagonal-bay park down the other. I always park as near my mates house as I can, I've been doing this for months now without a problem. Until today.
First thing this morning my mate's flatmate put the photo below on facebook showing a builder mixing up cement next to my car. I wasn't particularly happy about this so had breakfast and headed over to the car.
When I got to the car all the stuff was still there but no sign of the builder. I then looked at the car, and all down the side were lots of specs of cement stuck to it, some large ones, and some on the wheels. All but the ones on the wheel were not totally dry so seemed to just wipe off the car without trouble. I wasn't best pleased that cement had dried onto my wheels, (thankfully they need a refurb anyway) but as a matter of principle I wanted to speak the builder. Also that there was two car widths of space the other side of where he was working and he had setup right next to me. I had no idea what house he was in but luckily the first door bell I tried was the right one, an older couple let me in and led me to the back of the house where he was working. I explained that I wasn't very happy about where he had setup work, or the fact he had got cement on the car. His response: "Oh I thought I got most of what splashed onto it off, I got a big bit on the wheel arch but wiped it off with my thumb" He then tried to say about how clean he was. In all fairness he seemed like a reasonable chap. I warned him that I would be checking the car over, and should he wish to mix cement near my car again and splash anything on it I will be sending him the repair bill. I also advised him on where better to mix cement. I then moved the car and won't be parking it near there again.
Am I over-reacting to this, or was I right to speak to him and warn him about his actions? What does PH think? If I find there is more damage or worse if this happens again how would I go about getting the repair bill paid for, or would that even be possible?
Buggles said:
So... he was reasonable to you, polite and he apologised and then you acted like a biff and started threatening him with repair bills?
1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said f
k off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely.
For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
Going to speak to someone because they splashed your car with cement and didnt bother to notice or wipe it off is perfectly reasonable.1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said f
k off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely. For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
The lack of care is what was wrong here.
And what if it was your pride and joy and not a daily shed?
vescaegg said:
Buggles said:
So... he was reasonable to you, polite and he apologised and then you acted like a biff and started threatening him with repair bills?
1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said fk off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely.
For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
Going to speak to someone because they splashed your car with cement and didnt bother to notice or wipe it off is perfectly reasonable.1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said f
k off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely. For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
The lack of care is what was wrong here.
And what if it was your pride and joy and not a daily shed?
I was polite the whole time, I did not threaten with repair bills. I just said if there was more damage I'd have to get it repaired. I finished by saying that I appreciate he has a job to do, and if he wouldn't mind doing it away from my car which I will be sure to park further away.
I've worked jolly hard to get this car and take great care over it, for someone to go and be so careless.
Buggles said:
So... he was reasonable to you, polite and then you acted like a biff and started threatening him with repair bills?
1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said fk off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely.
For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
Never ever read the thread about the chap who got blocked in by a builder. You'd have a heart attack at people's responses. 1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said f
k off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely. For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
Buggles said:
petrolveins said:
I was polite the whole time, I did not threaten with repair bills.
petrolveins said:
I warned him that I would be checking the car over, and should he wish to mix cement near my car again and splash anything on it I will be sending him the repair bill. I also advised him on where better to mix cement. I then moved the car and won't be parking it near there again.
Really? As an ex-builder who has in his time splashed cement on his own van I can reassure you that with a bit of care you'll get it off no problem- especially if it hasn't been left for ages in hot sunshine.
Cement does contain lime and will burn but in small watery splashes I would be surprised if it has caused damage.
Sand, on the other hand, scratches- so be careful to rinse as much off first as you can and dont rub it.
A bit of a polish might be in order unfortunately.
Sounds like everyone was reasonable though- but you have to bear in mind that us builders aren't the brightest most caring individuals, but we do our best
Cement does contain lime and will burn but in small watery splashes I would be surprised if it has caused damage.
Sand, on the other hand, scratches- so be careful to rinse as much off first as you can and dont rub it.
A bit of a polish might be in order unfortunately.
Sounds like everyone was reasonable though- but you have to bear in mind that us builders aren't the brightest most caring individuals, but we do our best
Edited by stuartmmcfc on Wednesday 29th February 18:53
Buggles said:
So... he was reasonable to you, polite and then you acted like a biff and started threatening him with repair bills?
1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said fk off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely.
For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
Gotta say I'm 100% with Buggles on this, you've over reacted and been unnecessarily rude and obnoxious. Why not just ask him for a bucket of water and wash iut off? No big deal is it? 1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said f
k off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely. For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
vescaegg said:
Buggles said:
So... he was reasonable to you, polite and he apologised and then you acted like a biff and started threatening him with repair bills?
1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said fk off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely.
For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
Going to speak to someone because they splashed your car with cement and didnt bother to notice or wipe it off is perfectly reasonable.1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said f
k off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely. For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
The lack of care is what was wrong here.
And what if it was your pride and joy and not a daily shed?
stuartmmcfc said:
As an ex-builder who has in his time splashed cement on his own van I can reassure you that with a bit of care you'll get it off no problem- especially if it hasn't been left for ages in hot sunshine.
Cement does contain lime and will burn but in small watery splashes I would be surprised if it has caused damage.
Sand, on the other hand, scratches- so be careful to rinse as much off first as you can and dont rub it.
A bit of a polish might be in order unfortunately.
Sounds like everyone was reasonable though- but you have to bear in mind that us builders aren't the brightest most caring individuals, but we do our best
Thanks for that, I hadn't realised it would come off easily. Less worried now about that wheel.Cement does contain lime and will burn but in small watery splashes I would be surprised if it has caused damage.
Sand, on the other hand, scratches- so be careful to rinse as much off first as you can and dont rub it.
A bit of a polish might be in order unfortunately.
Sounds like everyone was reasonable though- but you have to bear in mind that us builders aren't the brightest most caring individuals, but we do our best
Edited by stuartmmcfc on Wednesday 29th February 18:53
ColinM50 said:
Gotta say I'm 100% with Buggles on this, you've over reacted and been unnecessarily rude and obnoxious. Why not just ask him for a bucket of water and wash iut off? No big deal is it?
Without now trying to sound obnoxious, what was rude about what I said or did? I was polite the whole time, I was after all in an elderly couple's home and wasn't going to go making a big fuss, and I've said a few posts earlier that I didn't actually say to him I would sending a repair bill, that is something I was asking here if that would be a matter of course if there had been permanent damage done, which it appears there hasn't been. And as it turns out no it isn't a big deal, but I didn't know that at the time.ColinM50 said:
Buggles said:
So... he was reasonable to you, polite and then you acted like a biff and started threatening him with repair bills?
1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said fk off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely.
For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
Gotta say I'm 100% with Buggles on this, you've over reacted and been unnecessarily rude and obnoxious. Why not just ask him for a bucket of water and wash iut off? No big deal is it? 1) Is there any damage to your car?
2) Where are your manners?
If he had said f
k off you little scrote e.t.c Then I could understand you threatening with legal recourse, but as it is, a simple 'Fair play chap, can you just do it further away next time please. Thanks Very Much.' Would have been lovely. For what it's worth, I splashed concrete on the daily shed, and left it there until I next washed the car and it didn't melt the metal.
king hell some people make a mountain out of a mole hill..We are only human don't forget.
I think he was right to be pissed off, I would've been too. Firstly, what sort of idiot mixes cement so close to other people's cars? It's a recipe for disaster. And "I thought I got it all off" when the OP clearly states that this was not the case at all just proves that the builder doesn't give a fk.
I have had cement splashed on a very old snotter van which was parked in my driveway whilst some builders were constructing a new dividing wall. I wasn't even aware of it happening as I was sleeping after a night shift, but surprise surprise they splashed all down the side of my van and passenger window with cement and by the time I'd realised they were long gone and it had set hard. It's impossible to get it off once it's set without damaging whatever it's stuck on. If it had been my pride and joy I would have been fking raging and on the war path to hunt them down. 
People just don't seem to have a fk about other people's stuff these days, "what's your problem, it's ONLY a car". 
k.I have had cement splashed on a very old snotter van which was parked in my driveway whilst some builders were constructing a new dividing wall. I wasn't even aware of it happening as I was sleeping after a night shift, but surprise surprise they splashed all down the side of my van and passenger window with cement and by the time I'd realised they were long gone and it had set hard. It's impossible to get it off once it's set without damaging whatever it's stuck on. If it had been my pride and joy I would have been f
king raging and on the war path to hunt them down. People just don't seem to have a fk about other people's stuff these days, "what's your problem, it's ONLY a car". ColinM50 said:
Gotta say I'm 100% with Buggles on this, you've over reacted and been unnecessarily rude and obnoxious. Why not just ask him for a bucket of water and wash iut off? No big deal is it?
Sorry, where was he "unnecessarily rude and obnoxious"? 
You can spot the builders in this thread can't you.
p4cks said:
Are those tints legal on the front windows?
Ummm can't say for certain, bought the car like that. But they certainly look a lot darker in the photo than in real life. They are less tinted than the rears which makes me think they must be legal.EDLT said:
If it was my pride and joy I wouldn't park it on the street. If you are going to park on the street/in car parks you have to accept that it will get damaged, otherwise you'll forever be starting threads about urine temperature.
Fair point, I just don't have any other choice, and nor do many other people with nice cars, plenty of other owners of very special cars in that street who I'm sure would be equally annoyed.I also understand that if you leave your car on a public road, accidents happen. But thats no excuse. People need to take account of their actions. Saying you wouldn't leave your pride and joy on a public road is all very well and good, some people don't have that ability, and at the very least don't expect someone to splash CEMENT on their car. People misjudge, and knock a wing mirror or clip a bumper, but when pouring cement, you have a bit of a view, more time, and in his case, space.
Today, I noticed someone had crashed into the side of my car, scraping along the entire flank. Fourtuantly the damage isn't terrible, but all the plastic side strips are scarred, there is paint off the bumpers and the door mirror is scratched. The front bumper was already damaged due to a low speed shunt on the ice, but I was making provisions to repair that. Now there is really no point, as half the car needs a respray if it were to look as good as it did in november.
As a result, a car that was worth 8-1000 on autotrader is worth scrap metal. I can accept people make mistakes, but people need to own up to them if they damage someone else or their wallet.
Today, I noticed someone had crashed into the side of my car, scraping along the entire flank. Fourtuantly the damage isn't terrible, but all the plastic side strips are scarred, there is paint off the bumpers and the door mirror is scratched. The front bumper was already damaged due to a low speed shunt on the ice, but I was making provisions to repair that. Now there is really no point, as half the car needs a respray if it were to look as good as it did in november.
As a result, a car that was worth 8-1000 on autotrader is worth scrap metal. I can accept people make mistakes, but people need to own up to them if they damage someone else or their wallet.
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