Cancellation

[NW tiler]

Just had an elderly couple cancel their kitchen splashback for next week, 6m2 walls. With the school holidays, I'd just fitted this job in whilst looking after the kids.

I asked the couple why they had cancelled and they said it was becuase when I took the existing tiles off I caused too much damage. The house is about 70 years old and had two layers of tiles on. Used my sds drill to get them off, most of the plaster was perished underneath and came off with the tiles leaving the breeze blocks exposed. These were crumbling as well.

When I originally quoted for the job I didn't want to take the tiles off but they insisted I did it because they were too old to do it themselves. Before I took the tiles off I explained to them that they would probably need a plasterer in afterwards to sort the walls out.

I recommended a plasterer who charged them £150. When I asked about my money for taking off the tiles she said she didn't have any money and would ring me when she had!

They are now going to paint the walls as the plasterer did such a good job.

Can't see me getting my money, things are slowing down at the moment so needed this job.

[kilty55]

what a flamin cheek theyve got,,although you havent tiled the wall yey you still used your time to remove all the old tiles for them,id be knocking at the door for my money to be quite honest m8

[brian c]

IT is a tuff one as they are old but you have mouths to feed and bills to pay ,so dont harrass them but sternly tell them what you want for the work you did and take it from there.

[MrSpoon]

deffinately pay a visit and explain they they need to pay for your labour for removing tiles, if they dont then take them to the smalls claims court, anyone with any sense will know a houser that old will have weak plasrter that will be pulled off with til adhesive, old or not, they owe you money.

[Sir Ramic]

Put your invoice in and a date to which it is to be paid by, Failing payment start claim procedure.

[pjtiler]

get the buggers billed

[NW tiler]

Thanks for the replies, I'll give them until Monday and then go round with an invoice.

[CJ]

Too bloody right...............some of these old duffers are not as frail and hard done by as they like to make out...........that and you DID do a part job.........so bill them for work completed

[frogeye]

Hi

I spent an absolute age traveling to and from a job, only to end up with nothing in the end when they old dear changed her mind.

For your healths sake - write this off to experience - some you win etc etc.............

In a friendly way i would let the couple know that you have spent time there that others would charge for but that if they change their mind you are only a phone call away.

If the job transpires - just load the price

Do you need the hastle?

Lesson learned and all that

frogeye

[whitebeam]

The strange thing is if you where double glazing you get a deposit, Why not for tiling and what would the response be if you asked???

[doit4u]

I agree with the make them pay comments. Not having any info on the people you are the best one to judge, but I would send them a very polite letter explaining the work you did and include an invoice with a payment due date say 14 days. I would also put in the letter that if they have difficulty paying that you might be able to come to some arrangement to have it in anstallments.

If you don't get a response within 3 weeks I would send a reminder and then if still no response I would send a final letter saying that you are going to pursue through the small claims court and explain that this will cost them more as they will also have to pay the court fees and interest.

I have been down this route a few times and as long as you are non threatening in your letters, just simply state the facts there can be no comeback. At the end of the day you should get your money but it depends if you want the minor hassle - its not likely that you will loose any follow up work and would you want it anyway?

[TilingLogistics]

I agree with the majority. Invoice them with 14 days to pay then a reminder saying you are taking them to court but make sure you pursue it and not just threaten. Good Luck

Kev