No completion date

Question

We started our project in Jan25, adding a single storey, flatroof rear extension with new kitchen/utility, alterations to the existing rooms including a new bathroom & en-suite.

Groundwork/structural happened quickly & smoothly. But in the last 2mths things have really slowed up.

We were originally told it would take 5-6 months. Now early July and we are so far from completion; the rooflights aren’t even in so we’ve had several leaks where the roof is not watertight.

We did not have a completion date written into the agreement, our mistake in hindsight. And now, the builder won’t say when we can expect completion. He even said he would need to leave our project to work on something else he has lined up, & then come back.

We have always paid the builder promptly when requested, but we now feel the need to hold the rest of the money back until he completes the job.

Is it unreasonable for us to expect that his priority is finishing our project & giving us some idea on completion?

James · Accepted Answer

Do not pay any more payments until he now completes the work, also is there a stage payment contract

Dawid · Answer

I wouldn’t pay any money until he now agrees the dates on paper . You have contract with the guy . It wasn’t written but he told you the timescale . Now because he is delayed you cannot trust him fully , as he didn’t do what he said to you . Let him to give you the dates on paper , any delays from the dates will be deducted from his final bill. Maybe this will help him to finish what he started .

Joe · Answer

Double edged sword, you really need to communicate with the contractor and reach a resolution as soon as possible. The water leaking from the roof is a major cause for concern. Most reasonable builders would want to finish the project amicably and move on. I know people will say take him to court but that’s the last thing you want. 
 A contract is not written in stone, it’s a working document, compromise and get him to finish critical jobs then you can go back to the contract and put dates to stages. 
At this stage conflict resolution is the best way forward. He maybe aggrieved somehow, you will be surprised. Get the guys back on site and get them to specify what their actual plan is. Agree to pay when a certain milestone is reached.

No completion date

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