Dodgy roofer - how to get things sorted?
Discussion
Nearly a year ago, we had a flat upvc roof replaced. The original structure was timber framed, the current is now timber with upvc cladding.
Problems:
Tradesman increased the price by £200 -odd after we had paid. Like mugs we paid up. Receipt and paperwork regaring what work was done would follow shortly (my arse!) - we paid cash so I guess this means he didn't put us through the books.
Anyway, the roof started leaking before Xmas in multiple locations. The gaffer's been back to inspect on a couple of occasions, but so far all we've had is blithe assurances that it would get sorted.
The last time the guy went up on the roof, he then tried to quote me for replacement for another roof, which immediately started leaking extensively (it didn't before).
We got another company in to replace this roof and they've basically told us the roof done by the first company needs tearing down and starting again, and have quoted us 50% less to do it to what they claim would be a much higher spec.
So far all of my dealings with the first company have been by phone. Due to dealing with a family bereavement I haven't been furiously letter writing etc. I am going to have to write setting out my complaints re the standard of repair of the new roof, where it's leaking etc. and request the remedial action promised happen asap.
Where do I stand regarding claiming some of this money back, particularly if we have to end up tearing it down and starting again?
We thought that because the guy lives locally (and it's not a big place) and is used by the local council that he'd probably not be a cowboy. Boy were we dumb!
Problems:
Tradesman increased the price by £200 -odd after we had paid. Like mugs we paid up. Receipt and paperwork regaring what work was done would follow shortly (my arse!) - we paid cash so I guess this means he didn't put us through the books.
Anyway, the roof started leaking before Xmas in multiple locations. The gaffer's been back to inspect on a couple of occasions, but so far all we've had is blithe assurances that it would get sorted.
The last time the guy went up on the roof, he then tried to quote me for replacement for another roof, which immediately started leaking extensively (it didn't before).
We got another company in to replace this roof and they've basically told us the roof done by the first company needs tearing down and starting again, and have quoted us 50% less to do it to what they claim would be a much higher spec.
So far all of my dealings with the first company have been by phone. Due to dealing with a family bereavement I haven't been furiously letter writing etc. I am going to have to write setting out my complaints re the standard of repair of the new roof, where it's leaking etc. and request the remedial action promised happen asap.
Where do I stand regarding claiming some of this money back, particularly if we have to end up tearing it down and starting again?
We thought that because the guy lives locally (and it's not a big place) and is used by the local council that he'd probably not be a cowboy. Boy were we dumb!
oldbanger said:
Nearly a year ago, we had a flat upvc roof replaced. The original structure was timber framed, the current is now timber with upvc cladding.
Problems:
Tradesman increased the price by £200 -odd after we had paid. Like mugs we paid up. Receipt and paperwork regaring what work was done would follow shortly (my arse!) - we paid cash so I guess this means he didn't put us through the books.
Anyway, the roof started leaking before Xmas in multiple locations. The gaffer's been back to inspect on a couple of occasions, but so far all we've had is blithe assurances that it would get sorted.
The last time the guy went up on the roof, he then tried to quote me for replacement for another roof, which immediately started leaking extensively (it didn't before).
We got another company in to replace this roof and they've basically told us the roof done by the first company needs tearing down and starting again, and have quoted us 50% less to do it to what they claim would be a much higher spec.
So far all of my dealings with the first company have been by phone. Due to dealing with a family bereavement I haven't been furiously letter writing etc. I am going to have to write setting out my complaints re the standard of repair of the new roof, where it's leaking etc. and request the remedial action promised happen asap.
Where do I stand regarding claiming some of this money back, particularly if we have to end up tearing it down and starting again?
We thought that because the guy lives locally (and it's not a big place) and is used by the local council that he'd probably not be a cowboy. Boy were we dumb!
Hmmn... Tricky one. Somehow you need to get hold of a reciept for the full amount if you can. At the moment if you started a claim against them, they could point blank deny it was them that did the job, and it would be hard to prove otherwise. Unless you have any evidence, starting a claim using moneyclaimonline (or other small claims process route) is going to be largely pointless.Problems:
Tradesman increased the price by £200 -odd after we had paid. Like mugs we paid up. Receipt and paperwork regaring what work was done would follow shortly (my arse!) - we paid cash so I guess this means he didn't put us through the books.
Anyway, the roof started leaking before Xmas in multiple locations. The gaffer's been back to inspect on a couple of occasions, but so far all we've had is blithe assurances that it would get sorted.
The last time the guy went up on the roof, he then tried to quote me for replacement for another roof, which immediately started leaking extensively (it didn't before).
We got another company in to replace this roof and they've basically told us the roof done by the first company needs tearing down and starting again, and have quoted us 50% less to do it to what they claim would be a much higher spec.
So far all of my dealings with the first company have been by phone. Due to dealing with a family bereavement I haven't been furiously letter writing etc. I am going to have to write setting out my complaints re the standard of repair of the new roof, where it's leaking etc. and request the remedial action promised happen asap.
Where do I stand regarding claiming some of this money back, particularly if we have to end up tearing it down and starting again?
We thought that because the guy lives locally (and it's not a big place) and is used by the local council that he'd probably not be a cowboy. Boy were we dumb!
I'd try other methods of pressure - decide what you'd ideally want as resolution and fight them for it. Suggest you'll take it to the local council to get them struck off, and trading standards, plus take legal action. Try and keep it nice to start with though.
At the end of the day, roofers seem to be one of the worst trades for being cowboys in my experience. You might have to write it off to experience.
I agree with VxDuncan comments, although under the civil head, particularly through the Small Claims Court, with the known history of the number cowboys in the roofing trade, you might stand a good chance of getting redress through the courts.
These two Roofing Associations/Contractors might assist your case, firstly www.spra.co.uk tel. no. 01159144445, or www.nfrc.co.uk tel. no. 02074360387.
These two Roofing Associations/Contractors might assist your case, firstly www.spra.co.uk tel. no. 01159144445, or www.nfrc.co.uk tel. no. 02074360387.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff