New kitchen, no contract, what are my rights?

[tiggertan]

Hi, I have just had new kitchen units fitted. The price was agreed verbally, there is no contact whatsoever. I have been advised to only pay 75% now it's fionished ans agree a date in around 3 months to settle up, to make sure nothing falls apart. Is this usual practice?
Also there area few things I am not happy with which have been pointed out previously as well as the fact it was finished 3 weeks late and after saying they would take the old furniture away, they then refused and I had to arrange it myself and almost had to pay over �100! I could go on...!
Am I entitled to knock the price down?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Not sure which section to put this in.

MTIA.

[Doc_Spock]

A verbal agreement constitutes a contract.

[tiggertan]

Thank you for that, do you know where I stand on witholding some of they payment and also asking for a discount because of all the problems?

[Clanad]

However, at least here in the U.S., a verbal contract is extremely difficult to enforce. Never... never go into anykind of project such as your's without a very specific, written, signed, dated contract. It should specify exactly what the builder will do, completion datre, amterial to be sued and, of course costs. Without this, it really will become a he said/ he said war of words ending up in court with attorneys the only ones making any money. Caveat emptor!
Best of luck!

[Clanad]

Reading your post further, I now see the deed is already done... so... without any delay, and I mean right now, sit down and compose a carefully worded history of what's occurred... from start to finish. Did you seek out the "contractor", when, where and how. When and what were the details of any discussions? Include all the details. Having learned a hard lesson in almost exactly the same circumstances and wathcing the same story unfold in other cases, I know, that at least under American law and customs, th eperson who shows up at the inevitable court hearing well prepared with written history stands a much better chance of prevailing. Additionally, I, personally wouldn't pay the "contractor" another dime (or the British equivalent) until he agrees, in writing to a settlement. Best of luck, but, unless I'm mistaken (hopefully) the fat's in the fire, so to speak...
Again, best of luck!

[tiggertan]

I was advised by friends in the building trade. Aparantly it is common practice. After a month or two, if the work doesn't fall apart, then the rest of the monies are paid up. I'm not trying to get out of paying, Just protecting myself.

[tiggertan]

Thanks guys, that is helpful. I have pointed out faults numerous times but to deaf ears. To be honest, the place is not very professional and the manager is very 'cowboy'. He lost my plans 3 times in a week.
Ahhh, I will have a chat with him and when it is sorted I will post back.
Really appreciate the advice.

:)