Sub contracting

[drives]

Hi all,

A bit of a dilemma I’d appreciate advice on.

We are getting a ashp install to replace a gas boiler. We chose a company based on local reputation and in house knowledge and experience. The guy who turned up says he does them all and says all work done in house (they have in house electricians).

Fast forward a few months down the line and their office have just let slip that they are sub contracting it out. To be honest I was not happy; plus I’ve paid a deposit so past the point of no return.

That said, I don’t know the legalities of this. Is the contractor obliged to inform you or can they just sub contract out? Aside from it being bad form when they specifically told me it wouldn’t be…..

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

That said, I don’t know the legalities of this. Is the contractor obliged to inform you or can they just sub contract out? Aside from it being bad form when they specifically told me it wouldn’t be…..

They are in breach of contract, but can you prove what was originally discussed?

 

[drives]

They are in breach of contract, but can you prove what was originally discussed?

Nothing in writing.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Nothing in writing.

So your word versus his/theirs.

 

[drives]

So your word versus his/theirs.

And? They didn't put in writing that they might sub contract the work out.

 

[drives]

So your word versus his/theirs.

Are you a tradesperson by any chance . I'm getting that vibe....

 

[denso13]

Is the contractor obliged to inform you

No, no need to do that.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

And?

Are you a tradesperson by any chance . I'm getting that vibe....

No, I am not a tradesperson, but then why would it matter - when you are seeking advice?
.

 

[drives]

No, I am not a tradesperson, but then why would it matter - when you are seeking advice?
.

Because it changes your perspective on things and seemed like we were going down the road of it being the customers fault for not requiring this to be specified in a written contract. I could have asked for a lot of things in writing, but practically speaking it simply isn't possible.

I just couldn't see any guidance really regarding whether it was actually a breach of some form of verbal contract but guess the counter argument is they can employ who they like to do a job. Just annoying as it was specifically discussed prior to deposit.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I just couldn't see any guidance really regarding whether it was actually a breach of some form of verbal contract but guess the counter argument is they can employ who they like to do a job. Just annoying as it was specifically discussed prior to deposit.

All you can do, is risk cancelling the contract, and ask for a refund of your deposit, based upon them making, what to you, is a significant change to what was agreed between you. That might be enough to persuade them not to use a subby, it might not, but where do you go if both options are refused?

If you decide to go to court, then as said - it is your word on what was agreed, against theirs..

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Are you a tradesperson by any chance . I'm getting that vibe....

No you're misunderstanding from where Harry is coming from.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Have you tried a chat with them, detailing your concerns?

If it is sub contracted out (to qualified people) does it materially affect anything?

 

[drives]

Have you tried a chat with them, detailing your concerns?

If it is sub contracted out (to qualified people) does it materially affect anything?

Yes. I’ve raised it with them and I believe they are going to now delay the job for a short time to avoid sub contracting.

As for whether it affects anything- my trust in them when they specifically said they weren’t going to do this. How do I know how good their sub contractors are when they’re not the ones I’ve done my due diligence on in terms of research before accepting quote. Trusting trades to deliver without micromanagement and research has a tendency to end in disappointment as it’s not their house (and in the sub contractors case not their company on the line in terms of reputation hence why I’m not keen on it as a customer), decent jobs take time and time is money thus corners get cut, building works is largely unregulated with limited routes of recourse when something goes wrong. I think that is my concern in a nutshell.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

As for whether it affects anything- my trust in them when they specifically said they weren’t going to do this. How do I know how good their sub contractors are when they’re not the ones I’ve done my due diligence on in terms of research before accepting quote. Trusting trades to deliver without micromanagement and research has a tendency to end in disappointment as it’s not their house (and in the sub contractors case not their company on the line in terms of reputation hence why I’m not keen on it as a customer), decent jobs take time and time is money thus corners get cut, building works is largely unregulated with limited routes of recourse when something goes wrong. I think that is my concern in a nutshell.

I agree entirely with that. Always best though, to get your main points of interest, in writing, even if it's only an email, or at the very least a recorded phone call.

 

[drives]

I agree entirely with that. Always best though, to get your main points of interest, in writing, even if it's only an email, or at the very least a recorded phone call.

agreed fair point