I would appreciate some thoughts on a situation that I find myself in.
I have had a single storey 20 sq m kitchen extension completed over the last 5 months which is now 90% complete (outstanding issues: repointing of garage door that builder bodged, replastering the ceiling due to poor quality workmanship, walls to be re-filled and redecorated, outside cladding to be installed, skirting boards and kitchen plinths to be fitted, and a number of other minor defects). The estimated build time by the builder was 7 to 11 weeks and we are now in the 20th week. The last communication we had with the builder was on the 10th Nov, where we had a frank conversation regarding the mistakes made on the build (walls had to be taken down due to insufficient damp proof course, windows that have been refitted now 3 times due to not being the right size (builder error), and now ceilings need to be re plastered due to poor quality workmanship, drains encased in footings and gas safety issues, etc). Our final words were for me to send him the list of outstanding issues and he would respond within 3 days, this never happened so we have not heard from him in 3 weeks.
So over the last 3 weeks I have been getting on and finishing some of the work that I can do (wall filling/painting, fitting architrave to door frames, skirting board fitting).
We feel that given it’s been 3 weeks, he has effectively walked from the job, we do still owe him approx £1000 for internal finishing and £2000 for windows and doors. We are however, working with the window company on resolving some issues with the windows and once completed they will go after the builder for payment (we have paid a 50% deposit for the windows which has not been sent to the window company by the builder).
We do have a signed document between us and the builder describing the works to be completed, estimated time frame and cost of the build. An architect was involved in preparing the design and building specification. An independent Building Inspector was commissioned to oversee the works and was involved in a number of the major building issues experienced.
My questions are, what should my best course of action be in dealing with this matter:
• Have I done right by not contacting/chasing the builder for the last 3 weeks (its him that has not responded to the list of outstanding items)?
• Is it wrong of me to complete the work, that I can, that is outstanding?
• The rework/work that requires specialist trades (bricky, UPVC cladding, plinth fitting) is it right for me to deduct a sum from any monies due should he invoice for this at a later date?
• Should I be proactive in contacting the builder now, or wait to hear from him?
All I want is to get my life back to some form of normality after some 20 weeks of mess and upheaval. It would of course be nice if all of the remedial work was completed by Christmas.
Many thanks for your thoughts.
I have had a single storey 20 sq m kitchen extension completed over the last 5 months which is now 90% complete (outstanding issues: repointing of garage door that builder bodged, replastering the ceiling due to poor quality workmanship, walls to be re-filled and redecorated, outside cladding to be installed, skirting boards and kitchen plinths to be fitted, and a number of other minor defects). The estimated build time by the builder was 7 to 11 weeks and we are now in the 20th week. The last communication we had with the builder was on the 10th Nov, where we had a frank conversation regarding the mistakes made on the build (walls had to be taken down due to insufficient damp proof course, windows that have been refitted now 3 times due to not being the right size (builder error), and now ceilings need to be re plastered due to poor quality workmanship, drains encased in footings and gas safety issues, etc). Our final words were for me to send him the list of outstanding issues and he would respond within 3 days, this never happened so we have not heard from him in 3 weeks.
So over the last 3 weeks I have been getting on and finishing some of the work that I can do (wall filling/painting, fitting architrave to door frames, skirting board fitting).
We feel that given it’s been 3 weeks, he has effectively walked from the job, we do still owe him approx £1000 for internal finishing and £2000 for windows and doors. We are however, working with the window company on resolving some issues with the windows and once completed they will go after the builder for payment (we have paid a 50% deposit for the windows which has not been sent to the window company by the builder).
We do have a signed document between us and the builder describing the works to be completed, estimated time frame and cost of the build. An architect was involved in preparing the design and building specification. An independent Building Inspector was commissioned to oversee the works and was involved in a number of the major building issues experienced.
My questions are, what should my best course of action be in dealing with this matter:
• Have I done right by not contacting/chasing the builder for the last 3 weeks (its him that has not responded to the list of outstanding items)?
• Is it wrong of me to complete the work, that I can, that is outstanding?
• The rework/work that requires specialist trades (bricky, UPVC cladding, plinth fitting) is it right for me to deduct a sum from any monies due should he invoice for this at a later date?
• Should I be proactive in contacting the builder now, or wait to hear from him?
All I want is to get my life back to some form of normality after some 20 weeks of mess and upheaval. It would of course be nice if all of the remedial work was completed by Christmas.
Many thanks for your thoughts.
