What to do if a tradesperson doesn’t finish the job.

It’s a situation more people face than you’d expect. The builder starts the job.
Money is paid. Then progress slows… or stops altogether. So what can you do if a cowboy builder doesn’t finish the job?

Step 1: Check your agreement.

Start by reviewing what was agreed. Was there any written contract and were there any payment terms? This will determine what leverage you have.

Step 2: Try to resolve it directly.

In some cases, issues can be resolved by setting clear deadlines, documenting what’s incomplete and agreeing next steps. But make sure you keep everything in writing.

Step 3: Understand your options.

If the builder doesn’t return, your options may include the small claims court, mediation services or trade body complaints. However, these processes can take time and aren’t always straightforward. They can be long, drawn out processes and there’s no guarantee you’ll get any kind of compensation.

The real problem.

The biggest issue is that the money has already been paid, which means your leverage is limited.

How to avoid this in future.

The best protection is to prevent this situation entirely. That means avoiding large upfront payments, using staged payments and ensuring there’s a clear dispute process.

A more secure alternative.

Some homeowners are now using platforms like miidle.co.uk to avoid this risk altogether. With miidle, funds are held securely, payment is only released when work is completed properly and, if something goes wrong, an independent expert steps in to rule wether the work is acceptable or not - or even finished. If it’s not, they don’t release the payment. This keeps control in your hands.

Final thought.

Once money has been paid, your options become limited. The safest approach is to structure payments so that control stays with you until the job is done properly.