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Hi,
I'm looking for some advice and had hoped the good people of STW would have some thoughts and opinions.
We had a partially completed bathroom renovation job (it was DIY but expected time constraints alluded to getting some hired help) that needed finishing off, so we contacted a company local-ish to us, let's call them Company A, after me sending on details of a quote we got for the boiler to be moved by another firm (Company B quoted £350), Company A has a price of £2k for the complete bathroom renovation and proposed 4x days work for boiler move, plastering, tiling/grouting/sealant, finish the board/taped ceiling & paint, new door & frame, leaving us with an all but completed bathroom, save for a choice of flooring.
Cue some favours requested and I'm working from home for 4x days and not a lot has been done, the wrong wall plastered in readiness for boiler move, boiler subsequently moved to the bare plasterboard wall, and pipework less than ideal (rad left disconnected, random end-caps and bits left over - just a lazy looking job, existing temperature controls/thermostat no longer working, and no contact from company owner.
I raised issues in writing to the builder on the evening of the 4th day, advising I wasn't happy with the standard of work & lack of comms to advise of the delays.
The proposal set out to us didn't (as appears to be typical for builders in our area) itemise each job and price, it listed the entire works and a final price.
Today, we received an invoice from the plumber/gas man directly (Company C) for nigh on £800, this excludes any plastering work (i.e. board part of a wall & skim it).
I'm not sure if I have to pay Company C, and whether I should pay it directly - my contract is with Company A who subbed the work out.
It's our first house and we're a bit green to hiring trades, so any input on handling this would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
Tonj.
I would not pay Company C .
your quote was for everything with company A .
Don’t pay anything until you are satisfied with the work.
Bum tish.
Thats builders for ya.
Check the original quotes and apply the “ain’t paying for nothing not agreed in the original quote unless previously noted, agreed upon and signed for”
Dont pay C or A either - much easer to negotiate when they want your money
Negotiate with C as they are the ones who quoted and subbed it out
A s problem is with C - though they wont see that in all likelihood
Dont part with cash till you are happy that the work is done to your satsfation
If company ‘A’ has sub-contracted to company ‘C’ do not pay ‘C’ directly as you’ve currently got no contract with them.
As you have done record in writing, and wait for a response. If not forthcoming, write again. Then give them a date to complete, stating that if not done you will instruct others to complete and deduct costs from their monies owed.
Record everything. It may not be needed, but if it is it’ll be worth its wait in gold if it ended up in small claims.
Cheers all! Much appreciated!
Due to some time constraints, we have carried out some of the tiling ourselves (i.e. we wanted to use the shower without a curtain on the inside + have visitors stopping with us for a fortnight).
Agreed though, our contract is with company A.
I'll write to them either later tonight or tomorrow and advise them of what's happening. As far as I feel about it, they (Co. A) haven't fulfilled their side of the contract - completing within the proposed time period - so I feel like kicking them out and getting someone else in as the trust relationship is damaged. But that's all wishy washy feelings and potentially emotionally driven action.
I don't have any issues with the idea of going to small claims court, it isn't what I want, but, if it has to happen to settle things then that's what has to happen.
Thanks again!