How Do I Stand ?

[seanne]

Had cowboy builders here. Taken £400 off me for work not done. I got them thru Rated People. They've been suspended.  Can I get my money back ?

[DDIL]

Small claims court.

Ensure any communications with them are via recorded email and I believe you have to give notice before taking them to small claims?

[barry1010]

How did you pay?

[davebro3]

citizens advice / trading standards ?

[seanne]

Cash he signed receipt

[barry1010]

Have you got his name and address?

[Khandro]

Do you have his contact details; address, phone number ?

[DDIL]

Ok, so did he give you a time when the work would be started and finished? Have these dates passed?

Have you attempted to contact him and what response have you had?

[barry1010]

Tell us more details. Has he done any of the work? When did he say the work would start or finish? Have you contacted him?

[seanne]

Yes I've followed it all to a tee. 

 

[nicebloke1]

Your information is a little sparse, for example, are you saying you paid them but they didnt turn up or, yes they did turn up and did a bad job. If they didnt turn up at all then its theft, bad job will take another root.????.

[seanne]

They turned up did a bad job painting. Didn't finish the job, after I paid them.  They also  said they'd put 2 new tiles on outside but just moved 2 tile. I have photos. 

[barry1010]

So they did the work but it was unsatisfactory. That's not the same as not doing the work.

Write to them saying you are unhappy with the work and you want it rectified. Send it recorded delivery and keep a copy. 

[Khandro]

It's a bit late now seanne, but you shouldn't have paid beforehand as you now have no leverage over them.

Whether the work done is bad or not is a point they could argue. Sadly, you may have to put it down to experience. 😥

[nicebloke1]

As barry as said @11.54 should nothing still happen, trading standards will be your next move.

[barry1010]

Trading standards won't do anything to get his money back.

If no satisfactory response to the letter within two weeks, send a 'notice of intent' stating if the work is not rectified or money refunded within 28 days you will start the Small Claims Procedure in the County Court.

[nicebloke1]

Trading standards will get in touch with them to go back and complete the job. Should they ignore TS then you are seen to have done all you can before presenting your case, it goes in your favour that you have given them many chances to put things right.

[ToraToraTora]

For future reference, for a  job that small, never pay till they have finished and you are happy.

[melv16]

Are they travellers? If so, you've got no chance of getting your money back.