I accepted a builder's quotation for refurbishment of a small terrace cottage and knock through into next door (where I live). Included in it were repairs and re-covering of the whole of both roofs. The whole works was for over £60k. A JCT homeowner's contract was signed by both of us and work began next day on the roof (I did not need a cooling-off period).
Work progressed slowly because his roofer sub-contractor kept letting him down and he was quite angry about their non-appearances. He was also clearly annoyed with me because twice I asked him for missing contractual papers. He hadn't produced a breakdown of his quoted price (even though it was required by the tender document), nor a master plan for the works, nor a payment plan. Now, of course, I feel foolish that I trusted him in respect of producing these papers and letting work begin.
On the 11th day of the contract, with only felt membrane covering the habitable part of our home, he handed back his copy of the contract and said that he is too stressed to carry on with it. He would however finish the roof. I found that inside the contract he has completed part of the 'Cancellation Form' so that it reads: TO (my name & address), I want to cancel my contract at (the address of the work). He did not sign or date it. Then he went back to work. We were pretty desperate to have a proper roof over our heads in January and felt that we dare not stop him.
We are now on day 16 and work is nearing completion. The standard of work is average but there are issues I will have to complain about. My queries are this:
Was his 'cancellation' valid?
Is the work he did after his 'cancellation' covered by the contract?
The only quotation I have was for the whole refurbishment. I have no idea what he may charge for just the roof. Do I only have The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 to rely on that his charge for the roof is 'reasonable'?
Do you think I need the services of a surveyor to decide what proportion of the total works has been done, and thus arrive at a pro rata sum for the roofing?
I'd be grateful for your thoughts on this.
Work progressed slowly because his roofer sub-contractor kept letting him down and he was quite angry about their non-appearances. He was also clearly annoyed with me because twice I asked him for missing contractual papers. He hadn't produced a breakdown of his quoted price (even though it was required by the tender document), nor a master plan for the works, nor a payment plan. Now, of course, I feel foolish that I trusted him in respect of producing these papers and letting work begin.
On the 11th day of the contract, with only felt membrane covering the habitable part of our home, he handed back his copy of the contract and said that he is too stressed to carry on with it. He would however finish the roof. I found that inside the contract he has completed part of the 'Cancellation Form' so that it reads: TO (my name & address), I want to cancel my contract at (the address of the work). He did not sign or date it. Then he went back to work. We were pretty desperate to have a proper roof over our heads in January and felt that we dare not stop him.
We are now on day 16 and work is nearing completion. The standard of work is average but there are issues I will have to complain about. My queries are this:
Was his 'cancellation' valid?
Is the work he did after his 'cancellation' covered by the contract?
The only quotation I have was for the whole refurbishment. I have no idea what he may charge for just the roof. Do I only have The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 to rely on that his charge for the roof is 'reasonable'?
Do you think I need the services of a surveyor to decide what proportion of the total works has been done, and thus arrive at a pro rata sum for the roofing?
I'd be grateful for your thoughts on this.
