Leaving builders/decorators on their own
Discussion
I've had quite a few problems with my builders/decorators over the last couple of months I've employed them. Their most convenient time seemed to be at my most inconvenient times, so they were mainly working unsupervised...it seemed to be either that, or the work didn't get done.
Originally they'd rung early January and said they could complete the work in a couple of weeks ( as it was snowing and they didn't have much on). The weather cleared up and, although most of the work was done there were a few odds and ends that needed finishing.
They had the keys to my house for nearly a month, whilst I was trying to get them to finish the work when it was convenient for them ( I paid over £2.5K for this job) and I often rang them to ask for the keys back as I didn't like the idea of them ( having just changed the locks) to keep hold of them.
I thought it was strange when I noticed brown marks on my dressing gown, and couldn't fathom them out ( though it did look as if someone had wiped their bottom after a dump on them out of spite)...didn't smell although I didn't test the marks that closely...just put it in the washing machine.
Before their 2nd to last visit I'd washed the bed linen and put it in a pile that was obviously clean washing. I went to change the bed linen earlier today and the linen wasn't where it should be...on further investigation the pillow cases were intact but the duvet cover was screwed up in a large ball, the bottom bed sheet was the opposite side of the room and looked to have been used as a duster. A few of my other clothes have been 'moved'.
I'm wondering exactly where I go with this. There's still work outstanding, both paid and unpaid. I have now got my front door key back, but feel I should have the locks changed again...they did change them. I just don't trust one of them.
Any similar experiences or advice?
Originally they'd rung early January and said they could complete the work in a couple of weeks ( as it was snowing and they didn't have much on). The weather cleared up and, although most of the work was done there were a few odds and ends that needed finishing.
They had the keys to my house for nearly a month, whilst I was trying to get them to finish the work when it was convenient for them ( I paid over £2.5K for this job) and I often rang them to ask for the keys back as I didn't like the idea of them ( having just changed the locks) to keep hold of them.
I thought it was strange when I noticed brown marks on my dressing gown, and couldn't fathom them out ( though it did look as if someone had wiped their bottom after a dump on them out of spite)...didn't smell although I didn't test the marks that closely...just put it in the washing machine.
Before their 2nd to last visit I'd washed the bed linen and put it in a pile that was obviously clean washing. I went to change the bed linen earlier today and the linen wasn't where it should be...on further investigation the pillow cases were intact but the duvet cover was screwed up in a large ball, the bottom bed sheet was the opposite side of the room and looked to have been used as a duster. A few of my other clothes have been 'moved'.
I'm wondering exactly where I go with this. There's still work outstanding, both paid and unpaid. I have now got my front door key back, but feel I should have the locks changed again...they did change them. I just don't trust one of them.
Any similar experiences or advice?
I'll challenge them by phone as they're unlikely to finish the work they started - it will be interesting how the responsible one responds. I say responsible, I don't think he realises what the other one is up to.
I've seen some of the cowboy trader shows where they pee in the cold tank etc. so just wondered what other people thought about leaving their keys to builders when they're out at work or whatever? Are they concerned?
I'm even looking at my toothbrush and thinking it needs to be replaced.
I've seen some of the cowboy trader shows where they pee in the cold tank etc. so just wondered what other people thought about leaving their keys to builders when they're out at work or whatever? Are they concerned?
I'm even looking at my toothbrush and thinking it needs to be replaced.
We've had a builder in for the past 3 weeks and had absolutely no problems. I was a little cautious when getting quotes as some builders I would have had a problem leaving on their own and with a key.
Thankfully this guy was working with a neighbour and only lives around the corner and I had no problems what so ever leaving him a key and letting him get on with it. Turns out his partner is actually related to my other half as well..........small world. He's also not your normal builder guy if you know what I mean
Thankfully this guy was working with a neighbour and only lives around the corner and I had no problems what so ever leaving him a key and letting him get on with it. Turns out his partner is actually related to my other half as well..........small world. He's also not your normal builder guy if you know what I mean
Don't pay a builder until the work has been done.
Agree a payment structure that is measured against work done. The final payment isn't made until you have signed of the build and are happy with it.
As for what you should do now you will have difficulty in proving anything unless you take DNA of the crusty bed sheets.
So you either draw a line and change the locks or you try catch them with cctv.
Agree a payment structure that is measured against work done. The final payment isn't made until you have signed of the build and are happy with it.
As for what you should do now you will have difficulty in proving anything unless you take DNA of the crusty bed sheets.
So you either draw a line and change the locks or you try catch them with cctv.
Si 330 said:
Don't pay a builder until the work has been done.
Agree a payment structure that is measured against work done. The final payment isn't made until you have signed of the build and are happy with it.
This. They sound like they have been taking the p* .. and possibly in your water tank.Agree a payment structure that is measured against work done. The final payment isn't made until you have signed of the build and are happy with it.
I'm normally happy to leave builders with keys as they should be more interested in completing the job and receiving their payments (and future recommendations) than checking out my drawers, so as to speak. As you didn't even get to this stage of contractual obligation, then it's already game over. I'd get the keys back / change the locks / and get someone proper quoted VAt'ed to finish off the work.
Edited by fido on Friday 12th March 14:20
Just an update to this, I can't seem to be able to get them on the phone - goes straight to ansafone and they don't call back. I've kept back £300 until the rest of the work is finished, but I think they've decided to not bother.
I'll make sure word gets round at how bad they are, I've found a few paint splatterred clothes which will just have to be thrown away, which is annoying.
It's been suggested I ask them for a refund...I'll try but don't think I'll get anywhere.
I'll make sure word gets round at how bad they are, I've found a few paint splatterred clothes which will just have to be thrown away, which is annoying.
It's been suggested I ask them for a refund...I'll try but don't think I'll get anywhere.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff