Please can anyone help restore my sanity?
We are over six months into building an extension to our home. The small local builder we engaged to do the job said it would be finished in 5 months, and signed a contract to that effect.
But, rather than appearing to work extra hard to get the job finished as it's late, he is still absent half the time and seems unable to get his subcontractors - such as the plumber - on-site when he promises. Frankly, we have given up believing anything the builder says. The problem appears to be that our builder is slow to pay his subcontractors, and they are naturally reluctant to do more for him until they see his money. Also, his qualities as an optimist are not matched by his skills in time estimation and organisation.
We have been paying our builder in instalments, and there is still money due to be paid at completion, plus 5% to be held back for up to
3 months or so in case any minor things need fixing. (All in the contract.)What can we do to put pressure on the builder? Do I need to write a formal letter to him stating a final deadline after which I will engage a different builder, or something? If so what should I say, what deadline must I give? After this time, what action can I take?
Any advice really appreciated!
D W Green
[cross-posted to uk.legal, and uk.d-i-y]