When you hire a contractor to carry out work on your home — especially something substantial like concrete installation in your garden — you expect the job to be completed properly, within a reasonable time, and for the agreed price.
If the contractor delays the project, delivers poor workmanship, or attempts to demand extra money without agreement, it is completely understandable to feel frustrated and unsure about your legal position.
This guidance explains how UK contract law protects homeowners in situations like this, what “breach of contract” means in practical terms, and the steps you can take to move from confusion to clarity.
Understanding the Issue or Context
Disputes with contractors often arise when:
- the work is not completed within a reasonable time
- the quality is poor or incomplete
- the contractor asks for unagreed extra fees
- the timeline keeps changing
- communication breaks down
When you agree to have concrete or landscaping work carried out, you enter into a contract, even if everything was agreed verbally.
Contractors must follow the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which gives you specific protections relating to workmanship, timing and pricing.
The Legal Rules or Framework
1. Consumer Rights Act 2015
Under the Act, contractors must perform services:
- with reasonable care and skill
- within a reasonable time (if no timeline was agreed)
- for the price agreed, or a reasonable price if none was fixed
Attempting to add extra fees without your agreement can amount to breach of contract unless the changes were genuinely necessary and clearly communicated.
2. Breach of Contract
A breach occurs when a contractor:
- fails to complete the work
- performs the work poorly
- delays the work without justification
- demands additional money without agreement
- abandons the job
If any of these apply, you have grounds to complain and potentially claim compensation.
3. Right to Require Re-Performance
If the work is defective or incomplete, you have the right to:
- insist the contractor fixes the problem
- require completion at no extra cost
- give a reasonable timeframe for completion
If they refuse, you may move to the next stage.
4. Right to a Price Reduction
If repair or completion is not possible or the contractor refuses, you may be entitled to:
- a partial refund
- a full refund in serious cases
This depends on the extent of the breach.
5. Right to Claim Damages
If the contractor’s actions cause you financial loss — for example, having to hire someone else to correct or finish the job — you may claim the cost difference back from the original contractor.
Practical Steps to Take (Step-by-Step Guidance)
1. Gather All Evidence
Collect:
- messages, emails and call logs
- any written estimates or quotes
- photos of the work (before, during and after)
- receipts or bank transfers
- details of delays and unexplained cost increases
This forms the foundation of your case.
2. Put Your Complaint in Writing
Write a clear, factual message to the contractor setting out:
- the issues with the work
- the delays
- any unagreed extra costs
- what you want them to do (e.g., finish the job or correct defects)
Keep the tone calm and professional.
3. Give a “Reasonable Deadline” to Rectify or Complete the Work
For example:
“Please complete or correct the work within 14 days.”
This is important because it shows you allowed the contractor an opportunity to fix the issue.
4. Explain the Consequences if They Do Not Comply
You can state that if the work is not done:
- you will seek another contractor
- you will recover excess costs from them
- you may take legal action through the small claims process
This often encourages cooperation.
5. Obtain an Independent Quote
If they refuse or ignore you:
- get a quote from another contractor
- keep this as evidence of the cost of remedial or completion work
This shows the financial loss caused.
6. Send a “Letter Before Action” (LBA)
If the dispute continues, you can issue an LBA stating:
- what went wrong
- what you want
- the evidence you have
- that you will make a small claim if they do not respond
Most small construction disputes settle at this stage.
7. Make a Claim in the Small Claims Court (If Needed)
You can claim for:
- the cost of finishing the job
- the cost of correcting defects
- refunds for incomplete work
- any associated losses
Small claims (up to £10,000) are designed for individuals without solicitors.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Not having written evidence
Always keep messages and photos. - Paying the full amount upfront
This reduces your leverage. - Letting the contractor keep delaying
Set a clear written deadline. - Accepting unagreed extra costs
You’re not obliged to pay unless the work was genuinely outside the original scope and properly explained. - Failing to document everything
Documentation is crucial if the matter goes to court.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the contractor in breach of contract?
Potentially — especially if they failed to complete the work or demanded extra fees without agreement.
2. Do I have to pay the extra money they’re asking for?
Not unless the additional work was agreed or genuinely necessary and clearly explained.
3. Can I hire someone else to finish the job?
Yes — after giving the original contractor a reasonable chance to fix or complete the work.
4. Can I claim the costs back from the original contractor?
Yes, through negotiation or the small claims process.
5. What if the contractor stops replying?
Send a formal Letter Before Action and prepare for a small claim.
6. Do I need a solicitor?
Not for small claims. Many people handle these cases themselves.
Conclusion
If you’d like to understand your rights and options in plain English, visit LegalGuidance.org — a free resource powered by Martin Taggart Legal Consulting.
For professional, fixed-fee advice from a UK solicitor, visit MartinTaggart.com.
This information is general guidance only and not legal advice. For personalised support, please contact Martin Taggart Legal Consulting.