Trouble with builder not finishing work

[Stotherd]

Hi, we've had some issues with our builder - he agreed to fix several issue with the work (none structural, mostly just snags) however he hasn't turned up with multiple different excuses over the last year. It includes some potential leak causing issues, and replacing 2 broken windows. He also has a sum on money from the last payment that hasn't been used completely unaccounted for.

 

We managed to contact citizens advice and they advised we issue a letter with a 2 week deadline to contact us with an acceptable solution - he pushed it and keeps pushing when we can meet to agree this. If he turns up will be a week late when when we agree this. We've been unable to get through to Citizens advice since (just goes on hold for an hour) so we're wondering what the best thing to do next is, assuming he doesn't turn up like we expect? We've started getting quotes for the remaining work and it comes to around than £3000.

I really don't want to have to go to court, or threaten that as I strongly suspect he will try to drag this out as long as he possibly can if we do.

[Mr Punter]

If your written deadline has expired I suggest you issue proceedings for recovery of the £3,000 plus court fees.

 

You can do this online, although it is a bit tedious.  https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/make-claim

[Temp]

+1

 

Just make sure you can prove you have given the builder opportunity to rectify. Typically that would be a letter sent "Signed For" giving him a final deadline of say two weeks or you will find someone else and take action to recover. 

 

You can only claim for legitimate costs so ideally make sure the quotes are only for things he should have done. Don't include any new work, changes etc. Keep those separate.

 

Edited March 3 by Temp