New computer stolen by builder

Gwyllt

I know it’s a serious subject but on a lighter note. Many years ago we employed a neighbours then husband to do some decorating. I didn’t appreciate there were problems with the marriage. Mobile phone calls abroad were horrendously expensive. He used our phone to contact his girlfriend in Greece.

So sorry. I suppose you didn't find out until it was too late. Living in a house whilst major renovations are taking place is horrendous, but unless the builder is a friend, I think it's best to stay put and keep an eye on things.

I know this is going off on a tangent. But the guest house I stayed in had a couple who s... the bed on Friday night. No embarrassment, they were annoyed that the owner asked for £299 for a new mattress. Where have morals and decency gone?

Casting aspersions David49 are you saying all subcontracting tradespeople are light fingered?
My husband is a ceramic tiler and isn’t a thief thanks.

I know it’s a serious subject but on a lighter note. Many years ago we employed a neighbours then husband to do some decorating. I didn’t appreciate there were problems with the marriage. Mobile phone calls abroad were horrendously expensive. He used our phone to contact his girlfriend in Greece.

It sounds like the builders are doing work while the house is still occupied, kitchen, bathroom etc, most builders are OK but labourers and subcontractors, tiling, flooring, that sort of thing, will pick up stuff "accidentally".

Sounds like this lady is very trusting, laid back and non-confrontational. She just wants an easy and quiet life.

The sooner the builder gets her house renovations done, the better. If she then wants to pursue them for the stolen computer and password book it's up to her, but that may be stress and hassle that she is prepared to let go.

I hope her future move into sheltered accommodation goes smoothly and she will feel happy, relaxed and secure.

JenniferEccles

Something just doesn’t ring true about this story, especially as builder problems seems to be a recurring theme.

I agree JenniferEccles. It sounds very implausible. Maybe we’re being ultra suspicious, but it’s certainly very odd? 🤨

JenniferEccles

Something just doesn’t ring true about this story, especially as builder problems seems to be a recurring theme.

Possibly, but the problem is that word gets around if someone is not as firm or as astute as they should be when dealing with workmen in the home. Some will then take advantage.

When we first moved here we had a problem with a builder who built an extension for us; he decided he wanted to charge more than he had quoted because we wanted a slight alteration which in fact meant it cost him less in time, labour and materials. I had to deal with him as DH was working away and he was quite intimidating.

Luckily we now know people around here and can go by recommendation if we need anything done.

Something just doesn’t ring true about this story, especially as builder problems seems to be a recurring theme.

The very last thing your builder wants is for you to leave him a bad review letting the whole world know that he employs dishonest people. If you were to say in your review that one of his employees rifled through your personal belongings and stole a laptop and a notebook containing your passwords that would surely put him out of business.

You need to sit down with your builder as you need to let him know what’s happened. It’s the first thing you should have done once you discovered the items were missing.

Why on earth didn’t you take the notebook and the laptop with you. It’s not as if they were large items and could easily have been carried with you in a carrier bag.

I would tell the builder up front what has happened and ask him of he knows anything about it. Builders are generally very honest as their livelyhood is dependent on them being honest.

But fancy leaving a computer and pass code book in the hous ewhen you are not living there, n0 matter how secretly you had hidden it. That is just asking for trouble.

I would then terminate the builders contract saying that, even if he did not steal the computer, it had happened while he was in the house and your confidence in him was undermined. Then get another builder in to finish the job.

Are you sure they couldn’t have left a door unlocked? Maybe an opportunist burglar.

Thieves 🙄

Scribbles

A bit late now but I'm wondering why the thief found it so easy to take the book of passwords as well as the computer. Surely, OP, you didn't keep them together?
I don't have a book of passwords but, if I ever decide to do so, the list will be written in a scruffy old notebook labelled "Auntie Mary's Pudding Recipes" and shoved in a kitchen drawer, well away from my PC. Or left, untitled, in the shed in a box marked "3.5 x L16mm wood screws". Just anywhere, really, where an opportunist criminal isn't likely to come across it.
Let's not make it easy for the tea-leaves!

Now thief’s will be in the grans drawers looking for Auntie Mary’s pudding recipes 🤣

That's true David. The computer was quite cheap from Amazon, so will think about it for a few days. Thank goodness they're not back until Tuesday.

I would tell the builder it had been stole by one of his workers, either he replaces or returns it or I will call the police, if dont get it back I would just deduct it from the final bill.
Let him sue for the cost if he wants.

My bet is he will not want the police involved and cough up.

Yes!

Is this a wind up thread? Builders would not frighten me.

I’ve had builders for more than 3 months , in my previous house. …. not one pin stolen.
I do feel bad for you

I’m afraid you have your information all wrong!
McCarth and Stone as I thought never ask you to renovate, redecorate arc, they offer a PX on the current state of your home.

Here’s a link; www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/articles-and-news/financial-advice/the-financial-benefits-of-part-exchange/

It would have been a very low offer if I'd sold it as a renovation project but hope to get an acceptable offer once the renovations have finished.

I know McCarthy Stone has a bad reputation for service charges but I'm prepared to pay for peace of mind. Second hand flats are much cheaper but they seem very keen to sell the new ones. Thanks for the advice and I will take my time and get 3 valuations.

I'd be wary of McCarthy and Stone too!
I've heard tales of ever-increasing service charges.

Putting conditions like that on you seems unreasonable too. Are you sure that is correct?
Are there any other alternatives local to you?

You need to get 3 independent valuations apart from McC & S.

Unfortunately I have been that unlucky Allira. I was offered part-exchange by McCarthy Stone on condition that this house was brought up to a reasonable standard. Decided to get it renovated, sell and never have to worry about builders or maintenance ever again. They are doing a good job but I'm just at the end of my tether with it all.

Sago

Barmcake This is cut and pasted from a thread you started in October.

I have just been ripped off by a cowboy builder for the second time, but this time they damaged my neighbour's property. For the sake of my ruined mental health I've written off the money and compensated my neighbour.

My Victorian terrace needs complete renovation.

Should I sell the house and go to an assisted living flat; or,
do a complete renovation.

Would love to hear from those who have or have had a similar experience and how they resolved it. I feel like just packing a bag and running away at the moment.

It seems you were ripped off twice previously and you wrote off the money and had to compensate your neighbour.
Now you have paid a builder up front 12K had goods stolen and you are prepared to write that off too.

I’m sorry to be so blunt but you seem to have too much money and too little common sense.

And in 2024:
I have been conned by builders so many times that I became afraid to have anyone in the house and now my house needs everything fixing.
You really have been unlucky, barmcake.

Best to cut your losses and move to the smaller flat you were thinking of a couple of years ago.

However, you do need to report this to the police and also to the building firm, even if just to prevent it happening to anyone else.

Aveline

Sago posted as I was writing. It occurs to me that someone might be thoroughly enjoying winding us all up.

Yes, it’s story time.

Sago posted as I was writing. It occurs to me that someone might be thoroughly enjoying winding us all up.