Builder delaying completion of work paid for

[benawhile]

Hello, my contractor has got rid of his tradesmen and is continuing working on a large extension to my house on his own, about 3-4 days a week. The work is only 3/8 done. He has done hardly anything in two months and should have finished a 4 month job 6 weeks ago but still is not halfway through. I have paid him for the first half but think I will lose the money paid in advance. I want to cut the contract short and give it to someone else. Can I do this?

[Guest]

Ben Same old story with builders. It's a bit late but a lesson for the future. You MUST write up a contract and have that signed ( I learned the hard way, the job is half done, so-called builder walked off after being paid), you stipulate from him the COST and time FINISH, NEVER PAY IN ADVANCE builder must finance the job if not find another builder, lessons learned in life. Grandaughter had alterations to her house when she moved in, builder signed a contract for price and finish time on a penalty, he failed and paid himself to complete the job, or no payment.

[benawhile]

Hello, my contractor has got rid of his tradesmen and is continuing working on a large extension to my house on his own, about 3-4 days a week. The work is only 3/8 done. He has done hardly anything in two months and should have finished a 4 month job 6 weeks ago but still is not halfway through. I have paid him for the first half but think I will lose the money paid in advance. I want to cut the contract short and give it to someone else. Can I do this?

Hi Archie, there is a contract that includes all that. It is not signed, it is a letter to the builder that states that his commencing work indicates that he accepts the contract, which I understand has been tested in court.