Question re Building Work

[builder?]

Hi all,

We recently contracted a building company to complete some work for us. I asked specific questions around building regs to which I was reassured that everything had been adhered to and the job was ready to commence. A few passing comments led to me question this so I contacted the local council who said they had no record of an application on our behalf. When I confronted the builder, he said that the local regs were different wherever he lives, despite telling me before that the council had been contacted and had said they didn't need to sign the project off. By this point, materials had been ordered. After finding out about the lie I immediately cancelled the contract (less than 24 hours after it became active) and asked for our money back. We are now being told that materials can't be returned and we therefore can't get refunded for them, but will have to keep them instead. Is this the case? Any advice?

Many thanks!

[islandgirl]

To avoid further stress you may be able to pay for the materials at cost - ask to see the suppliers invoices not the builders - the builder should make no profit from it. You will receive excellent advice here but this was simply my first thought!

[builder?]

Thank you!

[des8]

If no work has been commenced, what was the problem with building regulations?
No building or excavations means there is nothing which needs to comply with the regulations.

Or do you mean that no planning permission has been granted?

Interestingly it is ultimately the landowner who is responsible for complying with the relevant planning rules and building regulations (regardless of the need to apply for planning permission and/or building regulations approval or not).

[echat11]

I'm thinking the building materials isn't your problem. The work was to be undertaken once the council signed off on the application.
You need to contact Trading Standards via CAB, they need to look into this, sounds like a 'Rogue Trader'.

For example what if the work had been completed and the council told you it had to come down because it hadn't been signed off.

[builder?]

I'm thinking the building materials isn't your problem. The work was to be undertaken once the council signed off on the application.
You need to contact Trading Standards via CAB, they need to look into this, sounds like a 'Rogue Trader'.

For example what if the work had been completed and the council told you it had to come down because it hadn't been signed off.

That was exactly my thoughts. If I had just changed my mind, then it seems fair that I might be out of pocket. It was the fact that I was lied to and have had to cancel the work which makes me wonder whether I should now be out of pocket. Thanks for your response - I will contact the CAB!

[echat11]

That was exactly my thoughts. If I had just changed my mind, then it seems fair that I might be out of pocket. It was the fact that I was lied to and have had to cancel the work which makes me wonder whether I should now be out of pocket. Thanks for your response - I will contact the CAB!

Remember you want it followed up by Trading Standards, so keep on top of it. What's the value of the work?

[builder?]

Remember you want it followed up by Trading Standards, so keep on top of it. What's the value of the work?

Thank you for the advice. It's around £12,000. It's frustrating having to learn these things the hard way!