Builder failed to remove debris

[Johnboy007]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

I've just phoned ... he's coming to sort out the issue with the door (and a couple of other flaws) the day after tomorrow (fingers crossed!)

I can't believe how stressful in can be to have 'home improvements' carried out!

Hi,
Yes, home improvements can be a nightmare, especially if things don't go as planned.
The trouble with us oldies, is that we tend to stress more, than these youngsters.

[Little-Nancy]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

I realise that some will try and save money by disposing of the rubbish themselves, but seems unlikely that an OAP (Single lady perhaps?) would go down that path.

Anyway the aim is to help OP find the best way to be rid of this rubbish, for which the builder has already said they would arrange a skip.
I wonder if it has turned up yet

Well today I have a rather unsatisfactory update.
A young man driving a small van arrived this morning (I'm not au fait with vans, but this was about the same size as an estate car). He took all the wooden stuff (cupboards and worktops etc) to the tip. (This required 4 journeys due to the small size of the vehicle).
So there are now 15 plastic sacks of rubble remaining (ie: old tiles, chunks of old plaster etc). The chap said that he couldn't take these to the tip because they'd require a special licence for dumping - which he doesn't have. He said he'd applied for the licence, but it would be 2 weeks before he has it, so I would have to wait. Alternatively, he suggested that I could get rid of the rubble myself! (I explained that it wouldn't be possible - even if I could lift the sacks, I don't have a car - and anyway, I have already paid the builder for disposal!)

The builder himself is due to arrive tomorrow to sort out the hole in the door and the gaps around the window etc, so I will challenge him over the remaining debris (if he actually turns up!) If things aren't sorted by tomorrow evening I'll write the letter, des8 (Many thanks for your advice).

[des8]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

If your builder is reputable I would expect him to have the necessary licence and permits to dispose of building rubble.
It's part of his job!

[Johnboy007]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

I think they are taking the 'michael' to be honest.
Insist that the rubbish is cleared or you will complain to trading standards.
Good Luck Nancy..... JB

[Little-Nancy]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

Well I was absolutely right when I guessed that the builder wouldn't turn up yesterday - but at least I do have another update!

On Friday I emailed the council to ask about the Health & Safety implications with regard to the rubble as I had tripped over it and grazed both knees. Now whether this email had any impact or not I don't know, but I have just come home after shopping and discovered that the rubble has gone! So the only major issues that remain now are the damaged door and the gap around the window frame.
So I've drafted out a letter to the builder using a template that I found on the Citizens Advice website, and I'll post it tomorrow.

In addition to that though, I am wondering about the content of the builders website, because to me it seems very misleading - and perhaps there is an 'Advertising Standards' issue? There are photographs of some splendid-looking refurbishments, and although there's no wording to say that these pictures are photos of actual jobs that have been completed by the builder, the 'implication' is certainly there! When I looked at the photo of the website kitchen I thought it looked really impressive and very skilfully done - however my kitchen is nowhere near that standard of workmanship (or quality of materials). At best my kitchen looks like someone's first attempt at DIY, complete with the inevitable errors!

NB: "H&S implications" regarding, for example, who would be responsible if someone like the window cleaner was to injure themselves on it.

[wales01man]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

can I ask if you were recommended this Builder or did you pick them some other way ?

No excuse for shoddy workmanship the quality of materials may be reflected in the price.if its not to the standard you were quoted for there may be a Legal remedy others on LB can advise

[des8]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

Still getting there then:tinysmile_hmm_t2:

Regarding misleading advertising, you could contact the Advertising Standards Authority. http://www.asa.org.uk/
They won't help with your problem, but may force the builder to change his website if they agree with you.

If you are writing to the builder regarding the top of the door & gap round the window, I would suggest you also include a list of the other "snags" you have found.
You have the right to have the kitchen fitted with reasonable skill and care, i.e. to the standard of a reasonably competent trader or professional.
Your description of a first attempt at DIY does not seem to meet this standard (perhaps Wales can comment ?)
The builder must be given a chance to correct the errors before any further action s contemplated.
Do keep a copy of your letter, and send it"signed for" (cost about £2)


Crossed with Wales..... I'll have to learn to type faster!!

[Little-Nancy]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

can I ask if you were recommended this Builder or did you pick them some other way ?

No excuse for shoddy workmanship the quality of materials may be reflected in the price.if its not to the standard you were quoted for there may be a Legal remedy others on LB can advise

Ironically, it was my brother who recommended them
He had hired them to remove a chimney-breast and a wall (to make 2 small rooms into one large room) at his house; and he considered that they'd done a good job. My brother is younger, (bigger!), and more assertive than me - I think I have probably fallen victim to the 'single elderly woman in poor health, living on her own' attitude, which some trades-people adopt.

[Little-Nancy]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

Still getting there then:tinysmile_hmm_t2:

Regarding misleading advertising, you could contact the Advertising Standards Authority. http://www.asa.org.uk/
They won't help with your problem, but may force the builder to change his website if they agree with you.

If you are writing to the builder regarding the top of the door & gap round the window, I would suggest you also include a list of the other "snags" you have found.
You have the right to have the kitchen fitted with reasonable skill and care, i.e. to the standard of a reasonably competent trader or professional.
Your description of a first attempt at DIY does not seem to meet this standard (perhaps Wales can comment ?)
The builder must be given a chance to correct the errors before any further action s contemplated.
Do keep a copy of your letter, and send it"signed for" (cost about £2)


Crossed with Wales..... I'll have to learn to type faster!!

Thanks des8, I will contact the ASA - I'm thinking that perhaps if the pictures were removed, it would prevent someone else from having the same experience as me.
Would it be OK for me to put the website address on this thread so that you can see why I was 'taken in' by the firm's (alleged) expertise?

The other main niggle is that the new plasterwork on the ceiling is 'undulating' in parts ie: the surface consists of 'waves' rather than being entirely flat. This wasn't something I'd noticed until the plaster had dried.
NB: Their business card states: "All work undertaken by highly experienced, qualified tradesman".

[des8]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

I doubt there is any point in posting a link to their website without posting pictures of your kitchen for comparison.
I don't suppose there will be any objection to identifying the builders tho' as you are hardly advertising for them , and Amethyst will soon shout if it's against the rules:doggieyes:

Wavy plaster.... that sounds like my work

[Little-Nancy]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

OK well the letter seems to have had an impact as the builder has just been round to examine the faults and has offered to sort them out. (I can but hope!)

[des8]

Re: Builder failed to remove debris

At least he's moving in the right direction and hasn't denied there are problems.

Thanks for keeping us informed, and hope all will be sorted to your satisfaction.