Sub Standard service

[cassa333]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can offer some advice on a problem I am having.

I have a contractor in at the moment renewing my kitchen cupboard doors and work surfaces.

Because of the size and configuration of the kitchen we didn't have new carcases just a frame around and new doors. They have been hand made to size and are not ones you can get in b&q or anything like that.

We didn't get a proper contract, just one that agreed the style and amount of doors and would be painted (lacured) we talked about the colour and finish later.

The frames and doors are on and the finish is not very good. The paint work (spray painted somewhere) is uneven and poorly finished and not the finish we asked for anyway.

Would it be unreasonable to ask for the doors etc to be finished to a better standard?

I had pointed out some aspects that I was not happy about and he just kept saying it is hand made and if I had wanted it to be perfect should have had ready made doors?

When (even when he came round to quote) I asked how durable the finish would be he sia dit was very durabe andould ake an iron on it. They have not even been in a day yet and the edges are already chipping!!

Any suggestions (other than I should have got a better contract as I know that now :) )would be helpful.


Thank you

[The Builder]

I wouldn't trust his judgement now Cassa. In Law, you have every right of redress........ in practice though, it'll be one long argument with still no decent job.
Agree a price to get rid of him. Threaten Small Claims Court, and he'll be up for a deal.
Good luck

[Buenchico]

Well, you've posted this under 'Law' but I suspect that you really only want us to tell you what you already know anyway:
IF IT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH, OF COURSE YOU SHOULD COMPLAIN!!!!

While there may be nothing in writing, a contract still exists between you and the workman. Further, any court would rule that it's an implied term of that contract that the work should be of a quality "which would be acceptable to a reasonable person". You're a 'reasonable person' (I assume!) and you've decided that the quality is unacceptable. Assert your legal rights!

Start by politely pointing out your concerns, and asking that the faults be remedied. Then, if you don't get anywhere, introduce a few phrases such as "I really wouldn't want this to end up in the courts". (It's amazing how often a few vague threats can help!). If things get really nasty, post again and we'll give you some further advice.

Good luck!

Chris

[cassa333]

Thank you both.

I shall ask him what he can do about the uneven and poor finish and see what he says.