Hi

I totally feel for you. We had a similar experience (but I wasn't pregnant!). As somebody have already said the only leverage you have with builders is money. It's still hard because once they are in you are in their hands as it's not that simple to get somebody to finish off a job that has already started and they know that and use it at their advantage.

You can complain to the Federation of Master builders if they are members. I have a good plumber, will PM you his details.

All the best, try and keep as calm as possible, we lived on a building site for almost 6 months with 2 kids under 5 and I learned (the hard way!) to let go (emotionally) of what I couldn't control.

There are a few companies called Clapham Construction out there. I think I used the one Medway is talking about for our kitchen and bathroom. They were very knowledgeable and keen and finished the job on time. I do think they are a new company but I can't fault their work. Sorry to hear of your experience. Let me know if you're still collecting other builder quotes ! Xx

I asked Clapham Construction to come and quote for a job just like this over the summer. I met the owner (Jake I think his name was) and he seemed really keen and knowledgable and I was impressed. Said he was very busy. Never heard from him again. Chased for a quote, nada. He's a new business and sounds like he has bitten off more than he can chew and he is having to move resource away from your job, Are you managing to make contact with him or is the work subcontracted?

Unfortunately I have had similar problems with another set of builders (you can see my post) and also heavily pregnant. Financially you usually lose because typically you will end up paying more if someone else picks up unfinished work. Also, keep in mind that good builders are not usually available at short notice!

With your builders, if they are in breach of contract, you can terminate their work and get someone else to finish - and then they are liable for any costs you incur. In any case, give them warning in writing and spell out what is the issue and what you expect by when, and if not done, terminate.

Whether you get any money back is another story. I spent 1.5 years going through small claims court, won the case but didn't see a penny as this was a one man band who wound the company up - and hid behind limited liability.

My baby was born when the house was unfinished, 1!; I spent another 3 months with a baby in my arms micro managing the work. The good news is that babies actually don't need that much - i.e. you don't need to cook them meals and they sleep through any loud banging. I do not wish the stress on anyone! Please pm me if you would like to chat about it. I can recommend a good builder, electrician and plumber but they won't be available immediately.

All the best,

M

With any building project, the only leveradge you have over a builder (apart from reviewing on nappy valley of course!) is money - builders have a lot of very convincing stories to make you pay, but make sure you always keep to an agreed payment schedule, based on their progress rather than time.

Then when problems like this happen, you are covered when you get someone else !

Hi

I have just used a fantastic guy called Brent he is a multi talented carpenter (he has a team of builders etc that he works with) the level of finish was stunning and his attention to detail second to none, he was also on time, on budget and a pleasure to have around!

Will Pm you his number.

Good luck!

Nikki

We are having real problems with our builders - Clapham Construction - who were fitting a new kitchen and bathroom. They are hugely running over schedule - have left us with half finished rooms, won't commit to when anything will be finished and are constantly telling us one thing and doing another. They never turn up when they are meant to and fob us off with excuses. Anyone else had problems with them? And advice on how to deal with them? Any any recommendations of who we can use to finish the job? We need a plumber/ electrician/ carpenter. I'm 7 months pregnant and the stress is really taking its toll.....