Problem with paying a builder ??

Question

I've had some building work done at my house and i wrote a cheque for the builder when he asked for it and for the amount he requested.

But through no fault of mine my bank stopped the cheque for "security reasons", i informed my builder straight away and arranged for the money to be transfered to his account instead.

He contacted me at the weekend to say he'd had charges put on his account for going overdrawn because my cheque hadn't cleared and he wanted me to pay them.

But he only went overdrawn because he had started to spend my money before it had cleared in his account which takes 5 days as eveyone knows,if he'd have waited 5days when this problem arose, i would have transfered the money straight away.

I think i'm in the right but would appreciate anyones opinion.

Thank you

Answer 1

It's his responsibility to make sure he is spending cleared funds!

Answer 2

You pay for a job and that's it.

Should you not pay, down to builder to take court action.

In this case if I understand it, you have paid. The end.

The personal finances of the builder is not of your concern.

*see the truth, know the truth and the truth will set you free!

Answer 3

the builder sounds a bit like an idiot, you're in the right

Answer 4

My husband would never of done that, he shouldn't of spent what he didn't have. Besides he should have a business with an overdraft. Its nice to hear that you paid him we seem to find people that want the work done for nothing. I don't know what the law would say so the best i can suggest is ask the citizens advice for help.

Answer 5

Well "most" people would wait till a cheque had cleared..he didnt ..HIS problem. Cant see him chasing you for a few bank charges just tell him its his fault you wont be paying any more...Is he bigger than you?..lol

Answer 6

Yes you are right.  None of this is your fault, and you are not liable for his bank charges.

I can only think that he may have assumed the cheque cleared after 3 days (as it does with some banks). Nonetheless, it's up to him to check funds are cleared before he starts spending.  What a numpty. He should take up the charges with the bank not you.

If he tries to bill you, don't pay.  What's he going to do, take you to court? It wouldn't be worth his time for a couple of bank charges.

It's actually d**n cheeky of him to try and get you to pay!

I can only hope his building work is up to scratch - perhaps get it double checked!