Problem with building work, decorating or home improvements

Summary

When you gave the go-ahead to the trader, you technically made a contract with each other - even if it wasn’t written down. If they haven’t done what was agreed, they’ve ‘breached’ (broken) the contract and you can ask them to put things right. Check exactly what was agreed, if you can. Look through any paperwork that they’ve given you. Anything you took into account before you agreed to the work is also part of the contract. You met a window fitter who said he’d install a new window and paint the frame. You gave him the job, but he only installed the window and then left. You can ask the trader to do whatever’s necessary to get the work done properly. They should cover all the costs, including any extra materials. Let them know you understand what you’re entitled to. You should say: “Under the terms of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have breached your contract with me by not doing the work as we agreed. I want you to do the work again, this time exactly as we agreed.” You could also ask for money off for any inconvenience caused, for example 5% off the cost as a goodwill gesture. They might say no, but there’s no harm in asking. The trader should fix the problem within a.

Key information

• •they let you know they’d need to do extra work, and you agreed to pay more because of it
• •it was obvious that the price in the quote was a mistake - there isn’t a definition of this but it generally means that most people would see this mistake
• •the estimate you agreed to
• •any changes, and why they happened
• •anything that happened that was beyond the control of the trader, like bad weather or the cost of materials going up
• •ask another trader for an estimate for the same work
• •find out if the trader’s a member of a trade association and contact them for advice
• •get an expert opinion, though you’ll probably have to pay for it
• •that you’re unhappy with the price
• •what you think would be reasonable - make it clear that this is what you will pay
• •it’s not where you agreed it would go, eg your new satellite dish is on the wrong wall
• •it’s dangerous or unsafe, eg you get an electric shock when you use a new light switch

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Problem with building work, decorating or home improvements](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/getting-home-improvements-done/problem-with-home-improvements/)

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