What should I do if a tradesman doesn't finish the job?

Question

We paid a plasterer most of the agreed cost and he stopped coming back. There's one room still unfinished. What are our options for getting either the work done or a refund?

Balint · Answer

Do you have any written agreement about this? If not, in most cases there is not much to be done. Small claims takes absolute ages and not worth it in the end. Based on the context, he might have taken enough money out of it and have sailed onto another job which is very cheeky. He made a clear message he has no intention going back. In your shoes I would reach out to another tradesman to get the work finished.

Paul · Answer

Small claims or have someone else complete in future dont pay till complete any decent tradesman will only ask for material cost

Bradleigh · Answer

I would go straight to the small claims court. If he doesn’t offer to rectify the problem

Awwal · Answer

The tradesman should ideally be completing the job because they’ve committed to the job however if they stop coming, then ‘myjobquote’ should look into this tradesman to find out why they stopped coming.

Richard · Answer

Hi,this is why if you give the tradesman bits of money as the work proceeds,you must have it agreed in "writing" before work starts.
Client should always.make the last payment be "more" than the last part of the job is "worth"
Tradesman then has insentive to finish the agreed works.!

Lewis · Answer

Gather all evidence now

Save and organise:

* Quote / estimate / invoice
* Texts, WhatsApps, emails
* Proof of payments (bank transfer, cash receipt, etc.)
* Photos of unfinished room
* Dates he attended / failed to attend
* Any promises to return

This matters if you need to claim money later.

⸻

2. Send a formal written message today

Give him a clear deadline (e.g. 7 days) to either:

Option A: return and complete the remaining room to agreed standard by a set date, or
Option B: refund a fair amount so you can hire someone else.

Send by text + email + WhatsApp + letter if you have an address.

Paul · Answer

Hi 
That’s the problem paying trades up front, I  would never ask for money untill job is complete , 
Also if you paid him by transfer there’s a paper trail , if it’s cash there isn’t a lot you can do . 
If he’s some one you know or is local to you just name and shame him , sorry but there’s not much else I can say .

Anthony · Answer

The options would be to contact the plasterer and ask him to finish the work which he as been paid for or unfortunately you would have to pay someone else to finish the work he as left

Adebayo · Answer

In such circumstances, it is advisable to first contact the tradesman directly, clearly outlining the outstanding work and requesting that it be completed within a reasonable and agreed timeframe. It is best to confirm this communication in writing (via email or text) to maintain a record.
If the tradesman does not respond or refuses to return, you should review any written agreement, quotation, or contract in place. Depending on the terms, you may be entitled to a partial refund or compensation for the incomplete work.
Where payment has already been made, you may consider requesting reimbursement for the unfinished portion. Alternatively, you may engage another tradesperson to complete the work and seek to recover any additional costs incurred.
If the matter remains unresolved, further steps may include submitting a formal complaint through the platform used to hire the tradesman, or seeking guidance from Citizens Advice. In cases involving significant sums, pursuing the matter through the small claims court may also be appropriate.

Scott Thomas · Answer

Hello ,
this depends on? 
If you have given all the monies to him?
 If it was room per room?
Hes been paid for what he has done. Then theres no recourse. 
If not ask him to refund monies owed etc .

What should I do if a tradesman doesn't finish the job?

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