Builders revenge
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 3:57 pm
Okay, maybe a fair one, luckily I have never been stiffed for unpaid work, BUT lets look at it at a different angle.
Firstly, ?22,000 for a conservatory and a storm porch DOES sound a tad expensive, and whilst I am no builder, see two elements of his porch to be shoddy workmanship..........the rain water downpipe terminates approx. 18" from the drain gulley, so you could expect a small pool of water to appear before it naturally found the drain....he should have extended the drain gulley to the termination of the downpipe. Secondly, he has insulated the exterior brickwork to the breeze blocks with INTERNAL insulation that you'd find inbetween plasterboard walling, he SHOULD have insulated with a foam insulation.
Next up, before demolition of the porch, he should have salvaged whatever he could have, and I see tiling, guttering, lead sheet and the already mentioned, down water pipe. A decent builder would have taken time and effort to ensure the area was safe and protected with sheeting to protect the driveway and possibly the windows, considering the masonry that was being knocked around. As the lady was still indoors, it did put her at risk, especially as she does leave her house whilst the banging is going on.
For the demolition man, no hard hat which is a BIG NO in demoltion.
For him to send a huge bruiser who probably doubles as a nightclub bouncer to demolish the wall was a clear indication to the world, 'NO-ONE FUCKS WITH ME!!!'
However, all said and done, she DID have considerations made and this was a last resort.
Overall, a fair one, but not tactfully done....I see a dip in business for the builder