PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - How does one deal with an unscrupulous property developer?
Old 19th December 2004 | 17:30
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BOAC
Per Ardua ad Astraeus
 
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: UK
Small Claims Courts. Check this as well. You should also contact your local Trading Standards but in my experience they are about as useful as the proverbial chocolate teapot!

I had a seriously bad builder from Lancing in Sussex (Latham and Sons) whose work on a £29,000 job was so bad it cost around £10,000 to put right. He has repaid all but £400 so far.

First action is to investigate any 'associations'/'federations' to which the cowboy belongs. Beware - Federation of Master Builders was a BIT of help but quote "is mainly there for the builder" unquote.

You will need to take on a surveyor (ok, more expense but necessary), then write (recorded delivery) to the cowboy, itemising your complaint and telling him you are proceeding with small claims action. You can get a help pack on how to progress a complaint (and write the letters).

Persevere. Tell EVERYONE in your area how bad the builder/developer is, and make sure he knows you are. Consider local papers/TV etc. Get nasty.

Good luck!

Last edited by BOAC; 19th December 2004 at 18:56.
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