A Scottish town’s residents have been compelled to spend thousands of pounds on incomplete house improvements that they worry may never be finished.
On Netherton Road in Wishaw, neighbours Susan and Alan Matthewman and Tommy Wilson claim that the incomplete work, which started on June 24, was completed by what they assumed to be a genuine contractor, cost them a combined total of £15,000.
The work on the homes was finished by a roofing firm whose registered office was in Wishaw, but according to information from Companies House, the company was dissolved in August 2021.
When Mrs. Matthewman and others attempt to contact the firm, there is no response, she said, adding that the job was begun but not finished.
She remarked, “I don’t want other people to have to go through this circumstance since the entire house is a disaster.”
“We shouldn’t have ever given them a $1,000 deposit.” On July 7, I handed them a second payment, and they haven’t returned since, with the exception of two weeks later to want their ladders back.
Every time you call the number, nobody picks up.
The repair was paid for by neighbour Tommy Wilson, who called it “the worst experience of [his] life.”
He stated, “The level of stress has been incredible.” Over the last several months, I haven’t seen or heard from any of the employees.
“My front and back doors are simply a total mess, and scaffolding has been left outside of my property,” the homeowner said. You don’t think someone could pull anything like this off.
“I sold my automobile so that I could put some money into my home since I obtained a work van.”
“They butchered the exterior of my property,” I complained after spending £9,000 on my back yard and £5,000 on new windows.
An area builder claims that Tommy would now have to pay more to rectify the problems that were left behind than for the initial job.
The police and Trading Standards are now looking into the allegations and are meeting with locals this week.
‘If you are intending to have work done to your property, seek for referrals from relatives or friends,’ a Trading Standards spokeswoman said.
If this is not feasible, get several quotations and inquire about recent instances of work that is comparable that the firm has completed.
Don’t depend on written recommendations; instead, collect the clients’ contact information and ask them whether they were satisfied with the service performed. Always collect complete contact information and confirm the company is indeed located at the location if the company merely supplies a cell number.
You shouldn’t feel compelled to accept instant job, she said. Never agree to pay for items or provide money to strangers who knock on your door. Never pay cash up ahead or promise to go fetch cash.