Is a builder able to charge to repair damages that he caused?

Question

We've just had our driveway resurfaced and the builder has charged us extra to put back the edge around the driveway (a small wooden border about 1 ft high) after breaking the original. He also charged to fix the tarmac on the pavement damaged by his digger whilst getting rid of the original surface.

Just need to know if he is able to charge extra, or am I entitled to ask him to repair the damages he did for free (including the extra materials required to fix them).

I'm not quite sure how to reply, so I'll do it this way... Thanks

Answer 1

he should have insurance to cover any damages he causes whilst undetrtaking the work, tell him to stuff it, and then if he comes back to cause more damage, get the cops onto him for causing wilful damage to property!!!

Answer 2

Once again, it comes down to language in the contract you both signed. If there is no contract, you are in for a fight. Things that may help your cause is the reasons things got damaged. Was it carelessness on the workers part? Were the things damaged actually connected to the repair work? When i do a plumbing job and need to cut out drywall, I do not include this repair in my estimate because I don't do this type work. I let the home owner know this up front. An experienced contractor should have some idea of things that can go wrong. I would not pay for the extras until he can prove that the damage was unavoidable.

Answer 3

Awkward one this, did you have written contract, if so is there a clause specifying damage and protection of existing property. This may be unlikely if so then try appealing to there goodwill and cover the material's and they pay for labour.

If the builder belongs to a trade federation then contact them and find out what your rights are.

If it gets contentious then my advice would be keep talking to them about what you want and try and compromise, until a deal is struck. But don't not talk to them as you may go home and find you've no drive

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Builders can charge for anything but that doesn't mean that they can get away with it.

I'd refuse to pay, report him to the appropriate agencies and consider suing him. Chances are his work isn't going to hold up with such business practices.

If he tries to make you believe he's doing you a favor, don't believe it.

Answer 6

Hi,
Hope you haven't already paid him? He is defo responsible for any damage and anything he has to buy to fix them. I hate people who think they can get away with ripping people off. MAKE HIM PUT IT ALL BACK THE WAY HE FOUND IT.XX

Answer 7

If he is a proper contractor he should be insured for public liability and damage if he is claim on that. Good luck.

Answer 8

You are not responsible for extra repairs.You hired him to do the job and if he broke something then that is his baby.Acontract would have been nice

Answer 9

Quite simply.... no.

Dont pay someone for work they created..... if he was in the right every worker would just break everything to get more money.

Answer 10

The damage he causes is down to him - nothing to do with you at all!!