Suing a tradesman - process/advice.
Discussion
Without going too deep on it (it's not that interesting) we have an issue with a tradesman (a reputable business, properly formed and registered with a couple of directors) who we believe has performed substandard work on our house.
So far we have informed them of the issue (phone call) and had 2 site visits with them, where they agreed to put the issue right "because that's who we are".
We agreed as it was roof off to look to do it in spring, on contacting them again in spring they came back out, but were looking for a 50/50 split of costs this time. I offered a partial contribution to try to be decent, but not 50% as ultimately the issue was caused by a decision they took, against our instruction and despite being pulled up about it part way through the job they insisted it would be fine and it wasn't.
They then went on to a we'll call you back, yes we'll sort that, but ultimately just kicking it down the road approach.
I sent them a letter just over a week ago, asking for a date to start work within 7 days, which they have missed. My next plan is a letter before action.
In the LBA my original intention was to ask for a full refund but offer some saveable materials back if collected within a set time, or for them to complete the work as promised. I'm concerned though that the quality of remedial work at this stage of the relationship may not be great.
Should I lay out that the next step if a solution isn't forthcoming is to instruct a solicitor? Or can we handle it ourselves (should we?) the amount to be claimed will be higher than small claims court max. £14,400.
Tia.
So far we have informed them of the issue (phone call) and had 2 site visits with them, where they agreed to put the issue right "because that's who we are".
We agreed as it was roof off to look to do it in spring, on contacting them again in spring they came back out, but were looking for a 50/50 split of costs this time. I offered a partial contribution to try to be decent, but not 50% as ultimately the issue was caused by a decision they took, against our instruction and despite being pulled up about it part way through the job they insisted it would be fine and it wasn't.
They then went on to a we'll call you back, yes we'll sort that, but ultimately just kicking it down the road approach.
I sent them a letter just over a week ago, asking for a date to start work within 7 days, which they have missed. My next plan is a letter before action.
In the LBA my original intention was to ask for a full refund but offer some saveable materials back if collected within a set time, or for them to complete the work as promised. I'm concerned though that the quality of remedial work at this stage of the relationship may not be great.
Should I lay out that the next step if a solution isn't forthcoming is to instruct a solicitor? Or can we handle it ourselves (should we?) the amount to be claimed will be higher than small claims court max. £14,400.
Tia.
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