Help! Bad tradesmen

Had a similar problem with bathroom fitters and was told that I had to have the same fitter, ( he got reprimanded for his poor workmanship) I told the company no way and kicked up such a fuss the actual boss came and finished the work within 7days.
You are within your rights to ask for someone else to finish the job and the company are being very unreasonable to make you wait until November, if it were me I would contact the company and tell them they have 7 days to finish the job or they will hear from your solicitor. Good luck, wishing your husband a speedy recovery.

They are giving you a load of BS about needing to give the fitter a second chance. He is probably contracted to the company anyway and not actually employed by them so they could easily replace him (they can send someone else in November?)

Contact the MD of the company, don't be put off. Harass them until you get some satisfaction.

Check out your local radio station - do they have a consumer advice programme?
Our local one - BBC Herts Beds and Bucks - has a brilliant presenter who has helped so many listeners in similar.situations.

Dont be put off. You will have to be proactive. Also worth contacting trading standards as you may find there have been other complaints against this company.

i have never paid for work in advance - been asked but refused Most building companies have accounts with suppliers so don't need cash upfront. When the works is completed satisfactorily, then they get my money. Has worked every time for me.

Payment in advance is a very bad idea - I have never done that.

We always try and use local people with good word-of-mouth recommendations.

It is appalling that you are going through all this when your OH has been so unwell.

MAKE A FUSS!

My Husband was a self employed Gardener/Landscaper. NEVER would he ask for payment in advance, just don't do it! Too late now I know as you already have, but keep it in mind for the future .I agree with Fairydoll about contacting trading Standards. I bet you are not the first person to have had trouble with the firm. Good Luck sorting it out, you do not need all this extra stress

Complain to your local Trading Standards.
Check if the firm is on Facebook or Twitter and post your story on there.
Your local paper might be interested.
Good luck, you can do without this extra stress at such a difficult time.

In fairness we did only pay just over half of the fitters charges so technically still owe him(dream on). I never thought of the local radio station but I will look into it that. Trading standards is a good idea too, but think we will have to give them a day or 2 to try and sort this mess before we get the big guns involved.

Many thanks for your suggestions and good wishes.

Update: fitter did not turn up for the showdown with the company so think we have seen the last of him.

Oh and now DH tells me the toilet flush has ceased to work - looks like buckets again this weekend, but won't be putting up with that until November!!