Research report
When things go wrong with tradespeople
What to do when you have a problem with a builder or contractor.
While many houses get built without any major glitches, in some cases it can become a stressful experience laden with problems.
Why things go wrong
There are a few key reasons for things going wrong. These are:
- Unrealistic expectations of the owner.
- Over-demand for services and materials leading to shortages and delays.
- Lack of communication and misunderstandings.
- Unscrupulousness or dishonesty (on either side).
Listed below are more specific examples of these.
Problems caused by the owners
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Delays, delays, delays
Shoddy work
If a building firm goes under
Problems with plans and specifications
Problems with the contract
Reluctance to start the dispute process
Problems with costs and underpricing
Problems with variations
Failure to follow the specifications
Dispute resolution
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