Could we get our depsit back for stables?

[Hackback]

Back end of last year we had a very reputable company come to give us a quote for a small stable block. Very happy with the company who were highly recommended. They said they were busy but that wasn't a problem to us as we had to get change of use, seed the field etc so can't bring horses home until winter/spring anyway.

So we paid a deposit and then paid for the company to do all the planning applications, which will get knocked off the final price.

Then Covid and Brexit hit, materials became in short supply and prices went up. The company have kept us informed of the price increases which we understand are completely outside their control. Meanwhile we got the base laid and everything ready for the stable block to be erected, at which point the company took more money from us and added us to the job plan. We agreed an approximate date of June.

However months have since passed with no progress. All the company can tell me is that they are struggling to get materials, which I know is a huge problem with everything at the moment.

I rang for another update today and as usual we are on the list and they will get round to us ASAP. I asked how many are before us on the list but they were unable to say. I asked if we'd be done by winter and they'd like to think so but can't make any promises. They will keep us informed (they don't) so basically just wait ... and wait ...

I've been fine with it up to now, but after today's call I feel a bit twitchy. Dont know why but gut is telling me something isnt right.

We aren't there yet, but I'm starting to wonder if we could get back the money we've already paid (minus the planning app service of course) on the grounds they haven't provided the service. I've tried a Google search but can't find anything that matches our dilemma.

Thing is we have a builder friend who could do us a block building. He's also busy and supplies would still be an issue but we'd know exactly where we were with him.

Thanks to anyone who got this far!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

You will need to look very carefully at the small print of your contract. I would be surprised if you can get your money back, tbh. I'm not really sure why you paid them a 2nd lot of money, unless they were saying that they had spent all of the first amount on PP.

 

[twiggy2]

Best to speak to them, with materials being so difficult to get hold of it may be one less worry for them if a client drops out.

 

[asmp]

Did you pay by credit card? You may be able to claim a refund if so.

 

[Lipglosspukka]

First question would be, how did you pay?

Secondly, did they ever give you an agreed service date? I suppose by them saying June, that could be construed as an agreed service date.

If you paid on a card, doesn't necessarily need to be a credit card, then you could argue this is a case of service not received and see what your bank can do in terms of a chargeback.

 

[smolmaus]

Building materials are genuinely in short supply. My work deals with clients who have buying power for steel in the tens of millions of pounds and they are still struggling with delays and huge price hikes. Failing to keep you informed isn't really excusable though. If they have a supplier (they may be panicking and looking for a new one tbh), the supplier should be able to give them a lead-time estimate for orders. That might be months long but at least you would then know what you're dealing with. I would push for specifics on what is causing the delays.

 

[TPO]

Building materials are in short supply but if I read your post correctly you placed your order pre covid? If that is the case yes there are metal, wood and concrete shortages but not 18mths of delay.

 

[ester]

back end last year so post covid (aware time currently moving oddly!)

 

[TPO]

back end last year so post covid (aware time currently moving oddly!)

Yeah was confused by that followed with "then covid and brexit hit" because lockdown was 23 March 2020

Even from Jan 2021 there is not a 6mth lead time on materials.