Cowboy builder

[atticus]

I did not say there was a need: I was wondering what information you might have that someone can go on to help you find your man.

Have you contacted your local Trading Standards department?


Yes, you can use money claim online.

[des8]

If you have a copy of his driving licence, his address should be on that (no.8 on the photo card)
If that is fake report it to the police

[Clh]

Des8 yes the same fake address is on his driving license. I visited the address to find out it could be his grandfather but the old man did not seem to be aware that the address was used.

Atticus I used an investigator and got another address. Will visit tomorrow evening to check.
I only contacted Citizens Advice and reported the fraud info to companies house.
What else can I do next…

Many thanks to you both really. I’m in great distress…

[Clh]

Des8, how do I report the fake driving license? In fact his name on the card is spelt slightly wrong too.

[des8]

Go to the police station and tell them that the man named on this licence does not live there
Take the copy with you, and also suggest they check out the name and address of the registered keeper of the vehicle as you think that might also be false.

Have you asked DVLA about registered keeper ? If you are lucky they might give it to you (https://www.gov.uk/request-information-from-dvla)

[Clh]

Thank you Des8. I appreciate it really.
I tried DVLA website but couldn’t get through because I it require a security code that I don’t have. But then I sent an email to them.
I also reported to Companies House but the emails keep bouncing back (which is unbelievable!)
I also reported to Action Fraud.
And reported to Police.
Not sure if any of the above works.

[des8]

Unless someone makes an error and inadvertently gives you the information, they are unlikely to give you a correct address.
If you have exhausted Google/ social media and drawn a blank you are probably best employing a tracig agent or investigator as Atticus suggested earlier.
There are lots on Google

[Clh]

I have found his address! The investigator found it.
so what’s my next step please?

[Clh]

I verified it by visiting it though he is not home his neighbour confirmed it.
so I can start legal action?

[des8]

First of all you have to decide what you want as an outcome?

Presumably the building work completed, but by whom?

If by him you might have to go to court to force specific performance of your contract with him

If by others you need to write telling him that if the work is not completed on time the contract will be cancelled and you will then obtain estimates from other builders. You would then be looking to recover their costs from him.

The problem with latter choice is that you need to make sure he has the money to pay if it goes to court

[Clh]

Thank you Des8.
Agreed that getting him finish is a preferred option.
Actually if he comes back to work, I’ll be more than happy. It’s just him dragging and not showing up for ten weeks whilst promising every day that he’ll come the next day…

[des8]

So as you want him to finish the job, you need to write and tell him to get on with it, or explain why he has failed to return
The fact that you know where he lives and he can no longer hide might persuade him.
I realiise you have already rescheduled the works and it didn't work, but one more attempt won't make matters worse

If that doesn't work you will have to consider bringing in other builders to complete the works and then suing for the extra costs

It is possible to initiate a claim now and request the court order specific performance.
However that is a rare outcome, most commonly the court will order payment of damages.

Prior to initiating court action yoou need to ascertain if he has sufficient assets to pay any award you might win.
If he owns his own house (search here for £3 https://www.gov.uk/search-property-i...-land-registry) you could possibly get a charge over it.

Viewing the values involved (excess£10000) any court action will be allocated to the fast track, so as that has cost implications you might want to instruct a solicitor.
If you have Legal Expenses cover with your house insurance, that might cover those initial costs.

[Clh]

Thank you Des8.
he agreed to resume the work next Monday.
To be honest I’m not positive because he promises us almost every day. But we’ll see next week.
will put updates here soon. Hopefully good things come soon.