Builder Dispute

[Rockford14]

Hi everyone.

 

I'm having an extension built at the rear of my property, which includes a zinc roof. We obtained a quote from local builders, and shortlisted, went to view his work, and spoke to his customers - all spoke well of him.

 

The build progressed well up to roof level, at which point the builder mentioned the contractor he had included within his quote to supply the zinc roofing had gone under. He proceeded to identify a zinc supplier himself, order the sheets, and fit them. The finish didn't look correct (as I'd been looking on-line at finished projects), so I questioned him on the finish, and he stated it was fitted correctly. Still not happy I brought in a few zinc installers who have all stated its been incorrectly specified and fitted with problems including incorrect type of zinc, wrong size nails in the zinc clips (could result in the sheets coming loose), sheets being too short, not watertight - and the list goes on. When I gave him the news, his answer was - "you asked for zinc, you got zinc". He's been aggressive in his communication and is threatening legal action against me as he doesn't want the cost of correcting this using experienced and trained contractors.

 

In a nutshell, he's tried to increase his profit by doing the job himself, has purchased £2k worth of zinc that looks as though it cannot be used, and he's been told to do the job correctly is going to cost between £4-6k.

 

He'd already left site as we were waiting for windows and doors to be manufactured and fitted, but in all honesty I don't want him back.

 

This work hasn't been done with a contract, just on the back of a hand-shake. I'd appreciate some advice on how to proceed, as I need to understand where I stand with regard to formally ending his involvement and bringing in trades to complete the work. There's also the £2k of zinc that I've paid for and cannot be used, and he's also retained structural steelwork that I've paid for and will need to finish the work.

 

Many Thanks.

[raydetinu]

Realy depends on what specification was attached to the roofing and how detailed it was ( any refeferance to standards etc.)

was it a proprietry system or just specified as zinc.

You can determine the contract ( finish it by giving notice ) and then agreeing who owes what to who )

you take on his sub- contractors direct, but has he paid them!

All a bit fraught with or without a contract and will take time, and you may have to sue him.

see below for how it should be done.

All workmanship must be of a good standard anyway ( fit for purpose, common law )

I know its too late but you should always have a contract ( RIBA and ICS do standard domestic contracts ) and never never pay until you are satisfied with the work done.

[BankFodder]

Start off by putting everything in writing and giving him a copy.

Building contracts are normally quote flexible and you should expect that when the unexpected happens, that the price might vary to suit the circumstances. However, s.15 Supply of Goods and Services act says that prices must always be reasonable.

This means that you might have to expect to pay the value of the job done - but not to have to pay for his mistakes.

 

Put everything in writing. Get at least two independent quotes for the job to be done correctly and then see where you are

[Rockford14]

Appreciate the reply and video link - ours is nothing like the finish demonstrated!.

 

The quote was based on a standing seam zinc system. The system purchased by the builder is well documented on the internet with details on how to install and finish. These have not been followed.

 

The remaining work is to fit doors and windows which is being undertaken by a contractor that I was paying direct, the roof - which is outlined above, and then knocking through into the extension which involves steelwork, electrics, plumbing and plastering. The builder has been paid for all work to-date.

 

I don't have a problem bringing in and managing the various trades.