Ah ok, thanks for that. Is there a specific place/protocol to.find an expert witness? I've googled, but not having much luck. We definitely don't want him attempting to put the issues right himself, as he is arguing there are no issues and to be honest, from the quality of work so far, he can't be trusted!
I understand but still , must serve the contractor with a notice of intent offering fair opportunity to rectify the work , is pre action protocol .
In an ideal world you want him to come put things right .
Hopefully it shows him your serious and you have followed proper procedure
Understand is probably not going to happen but still must follow the process .
If the contractor fails to attend or rectify by a reasonable date , then one might employ expert witness to prepare a report for the courts.
Usually some kind of building surveyor acts as expert witness
Need to be careful is not throwing good money after bad .
Be aware if with hold payment is nothing stopping him taking you to court , other than shame .
Without a notice of intent from you , he would probably win in court and be awarded judgment .
If can put it another way , you have with held his money, without a notice of intent offering reasonable solutions , looks like your trying to rip him off .
I know its no help but ive seen jobs the homeowner had 5 buckets dotted about lounge dinning room because of all the leaks from a new bathroom install , abandoned by the contractor , jobs where they had even removed the old kitchen and never gone back
At least is only issues with tiling and finishing
Also i did say you would need to project manage the job, the chips where visable before he grouted , myself would of just smashed them with the hammer and he would of come into that the next day ;-)
Depends , how you look at it ? if you have with held enough £ , and he not bothered & they can live with it , then in some respects is a job well done
If this guy cares about his business once served hes going to have someone round asap to put things right or reach compromise