Payment For Work Done

[tooj]

My son in law, (a jobbing builder) has added a n extension to a house. The houseowner says that the job was not completed to his satisfaction although it has been passed by the council inspector. He is now refusing to pay a penny and al.though my relative has offered to put things right he has banned him from going on to the property again. My relative is over 20K down on this and cannot afford to go to court.Is it possible to find a no win no fee solicitor for this sort of thing, or a government or council department who would deal with this problem

[bednobs]

oh dear!
what is the cutomer saying is wrong? Could yourson in law just fix it?

[Captain2]

First question is 'Was there a contract signed by both parties?'

[Buenchico]

His options are as follows:

1. Persuade the property owner to agree to mediation, which will cost them both £425 + VAT:
http://www.civilmediation.justice.gov.uk/

2. Instruct a 'no win, no fee' firm of solicitors to pursue the case. Start here to find a firm in the relevant area:
http://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/
(He might need to make a few phone calls to find out exactly what is offered by particular firms).

3. Find the £900 (based upon a claim for £20,000) required, possibly by borrowing it against a credit card if necessary, to use the online claims service:
https://www.gov.uk/make-money-claim-online

4. Find a couple of big guys with baseball bats and . . .

Options 1 to 3 are explained here:
https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/overview

[Captain2]

Chris
Whilst I agree with 1-3 (but perhaps not 4!) it would be better to find out if a recognised Building Contract has been signed. If so there will be means of redress through arbitration at least. Reasons for determination of contract by 'the Employer' will have to be ascertained and the process taken from there.

[beegeebee]

Do I not recall a similar thing happening a couple of years ago? The builder turned up with his 'workers' and began to take down that which had been erected. Owner called the Police who said Civil matter, don't bother us, that apparently worked and the problem resolved, as the stuff inside Partition walls were about to go out the door!

[tooj]

Don't know about signed contract (I think not). He can,t put anything right because he's not allowed on the property. Thanks anyway folks!

[bednobs]

sorry, i didn't read that bit - it makes my advice rather superfluous :)

[Zacs-Master]

Has he been given ANY opportunity to put things right? This is important and will have a bearing on the success of any claim against the defaulter.

[Peter Pedant]

BeeGG..

there is a later case - where a roofer starts taking down the roof he has not been paid for and is done for criminal damage