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Tradesman or Builder Dispute

Tradesman or Builders Dispute

Whether it’s a home renovation gone wrong, shoddy workmanship, delays, or unexpected costs, disputes with tradesmen or builders can leave you feeling stressed and uncertain about what to do next.

Construction and renovation projects, whether big or small, involve multiple moving parts and can be prone to misunderstandings or mismanagement. 

Common tradesman and builder issues include quality issues, unexpected delays and disruptions, hidden charges, incomplete work, and misunderstandings over expectations. 

• Common issues with tradesmen or builders 

• What should I do if I am unhappy with the work done by a tradesman or builder? 

• What are my rights if a tradesman or builder does not complete work on time? 

• How can I resolve a dispute over the cost of work with a tradesman or builder?

• Can I refuse to pay a tradesman or builder if I am not satisfied with their work?

• How can a solicitor help me with a dispute over building work? 

• What can I do if a builder leaves my project unfinished?

At Lawhive, our network of experienced property lawyers can provide clear, actionable advice tailored to your specific situation and help you resolve disputes with tradesmen and builders quickly and affordably. 

Don’t let tradesman or builder disputes take up any more of your time or energy. Contact us today for a free case evaluation from our Legal Assessment Specialists and get a no-obligation quote for the services of a specialist lawyer. 

Common issues with tradesmen or builders 

Hiring tradesmen or builders for your home or business project should bring your vision to life. However, sometimes disputes arise and turn what should be an exciting process into a source of stress and frustration. 

Common problems with tradesmen or builders include: 

Poor workmanship 

Poor workmanship is one of the most frequent complaints that come about when the work delivered by tradesmen or builders falls below the agreed standards or industry expectations. This can leave you with an unfinished or unsafe project that costs even more to fix. 

Examples of poor workmanship include uneven tiling, improper installation, or substandard materials. 

Delays and disruptions 

Projects can sometimes run over because of inadequate planning or supply chain issues.

While sometimes unavoidable, delays can significantly disrupt your daily life, especially if the project involves essential home or business repairs. 

Unexpected costs 

As you might imagine, lots of tradesman or builder disputes happen because of unexpected costs that stem from unanticipated project complexities, material upgrades, or even hidden fees that aren’t disclosed upfront.

Property owners might find themselves faced with higher bills than originally agreed, leading to financial strain and disagreements over payments. 

Breach of contract 

If builders or tradesmen don’t complete the work, deviate from agreed plans, or use inferior materials, it could be classed as a breach of contract.

On the other hand, for clients, a breach of contract could involve non-payment or unrealistic demands. Breaches of contract are a significant source of disputes and often require legal intervention to resolve. 

What should I do if I am unhappy with the work done by a tradesman or builder?

If you’re unhappy with the work done by a tradesman or builder, talk to them as soon as you notice issues. Calmly explain why you’re unhappy but focus on resolving the issue rather than escalating it. 

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you are entitled to services performed with care and skill. So, if the work is not up to standard, you can request that the issues be fixed or, if that’s not feasible, a reduction in the price. 

If this does not solve the problem, you may need to seek external help. If the tradesman or builder is a member of a trade association, you should contact them for support as they will often provide mediation services and help enforce standards of workmanship among their members. 

However, if neither direct communication nor mediation solves the problem, speak to a solicitor specialising in property or consumer law. 

For disputes up to £10,000, you can file a claim in the Small Claims Court. Your solicitor can help you with this to increase your chances of a successful claim. 

What are my rights if a tradesman or builder does not complete work on time?

If a tradesman or builder fails to complete their work on time, or within a timeframe that would be considered reasonable, you can: 

1. Demand that the tradesman or builder finishes the job promptly, as initially agreed upon.

2. Ask for a reduction in the price you’re being charged. 

3. Seek compensation for any extra costs you’ve incurred due to the delay.

If your contract specifies start and end dates or includes penalties for delays, you can enforce these terms. You may be entitled to claim damages for any losses you’ve suffered due to the delay, based on the contractual agreement.

In cases of significant or prolonged delays, you may have the right to terminate the contract and hire another tradesman to complete the work, as well as seek compensation from the original tradesmen. 

How can I resolve a dispute over the cost of work with a tradesman or builder?

If you have concerns about costs you should ask your builder for a detailed breakdown of the charges. This should include the cost of materials, labour, and any additional expenses. 

If there are charges you believe to be unjustified or outside the scope of the original agreement, ask for an explanation. Often, disputes over cost can be easily put to bed through a simple calm conversation. 

If you are unable to reach an agreement in this way, you can file a claim in the Small Claims Court for amounts up to £10,000. 

Can I refuse to pay a tradesman or builder if I am not satisfied with their work?

Being dissatisfied with the work done by a tradesman or builder can be frustrating, and you may feel inclined to withhold payment until the issues are resolved. 

However, outright refusal to pay could lead to the tradesman or builder taking legal action against you for non-payment.

Therefore, the better route before withholding payment is to explain to the tradesman or builder why you’re not satisfied and give them a chance to redo the work or fix any defects. 

In the meantime, you might consider making a partial payment for the work that has been satisfactorily completed and withholding a portion of the payment equivalent to the cost of fixing the issues. 

If you do decide to withhold payment, you should tell the tradesman or builder why you are doing so, and be prepared to defend your decision legally. 

How can a solicitor help me with a dispute over building work?

When it comes to disputes over building work, a solicitor can: 

• Provide practical advice on how to address the issues with the tradesman or builder, whether through direct negotiation, seeking repairs, or financial compensation.

• Review your contract with the tradesman or builder to understand the agreed terms, including scope of work, timelines, costs, and any clauses related to disputes or penalties.

• Outline the remedies available under the contract, such as enforcing deadlines, requiring repairs, or seeking price reductions for substandard work.

• Communicate directly with the tradesman or builder on your behalf. 

• Draft and send formal letters or emails to the tradesman or builder, clearly stating your position, outlining the issues, and requesting specific actions.

• Handle the process of filing a claim and represent you in court.

• Assist in enforcing a judgment if the court rules in your favour.

• Help you recover any awarded compensation.

At Lawhive, our experienced network of property lawyers is here to assist you with all aspects of building work disputes. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to learn how we can help you secure a satisfactory resolution.

What can I do if a builder leaves my project unfinished?

If a builder leaves your project unfinished you should contact them in writing outlining the issues, the unfinished work, and your expectation for them to return and complete the project. 

If the builder is unable or unwilling to complete the work, negotiate alternatives like a partial refund or reduced final payment to cover the cost of hiring another contractor. 

If you need to hire another contractor to finish the project, keep track of the additional costs involved in this and any other expenses resulting from the delay as you may be able to claim these additional costs from the original builder if you pursue legal action. 

For disputes involving amounts up to £10,000, you can file a claim in the Small Claims Court, or, for larger claims, your solicitor can help you file a claim in the County Court, seeking damages for breach of contract, additional costs, and any other financial losses incurred. 

Get legal help with your tradesman or builder dispute 

If you’re locked in a bitter dispute with a tradesman or builder, our network of expert solicitors is here to help resolve the situation quickly and affordably. 

From the initial consultation to the final resolution, your solicitor will provide comprehensive support throughout the dispute resolution process from reviewing all relevant documents and contracts to preparing and filing your claim. 

Contact our Legal Assessment Team for a free case evaluation and get a no-obligation quote for the services of a specialist lawyer.