A man has admitted to hiring a private detective to track down a tradesman who 'disappeared with £3k'. Paul Howson, 36, claims he paid the worker to do a 'two week job' in his home, which is still incomplete eight months later.
The Liverpool Echo reports that the 36-year-old purchased the property in 2021, after moving back in with his parents to afford his first home. He says that the house in Liverpool needed work and so he began looking for a tradesman to help his renovation.
Paul said: "The other issue was finding workmen. Post-covid people were either moving or renovating and I was getting people either not turning up or not replying."
However, Paul finally had some luck and initially "really liked" the bathroom fitter, who came recommended by his sister's friend. He added: "I had a really good feeling - he was an ordinary guy, polite and patient."
Last year, Paul was told the work would only take two weeks. He added: "I remember me and my mum looking at each other with big smiles and thinking I'll have a bathroom before summer and can finally move in."
However, the 36-year-old alleges that "the excuses started" after he handed over thousands of pounds for materials and labour. He claims to have paid the worker £3,190 in instalments.
Paul says he last saw the fitter at his house "at the end of May or beginning of June". He claims to have realised there had been no progress when he returned to the property in August.
Paul said: "It's hard for me to take time off. It's a 40 minute drive with no traffic and I have a stressful job so I hadn't really been going to the house."
The homeowner says that tiles that had been laid had fallen off the wall and smashed, denting the brand new shower tray that had been fitted. Paul said: "You could literally pull the tiles off the wall with minimal force."
After Paul raised concerns, the bathroom fitter gave a September completion date, which was then moved back to October. The homeowner alleges communication eventually broke down in November.
In an attempt to get his money back, Paul has even went as far as hiring a private detective to find the fitter's address after communication halted. The homeowner has also been in contact with a solicitor.
The 36-year-old says he has not spent one night in the house he purchased almost 18 months ago. He says experience has left him "sick with stress".
Paul added: "I've just had enough of this. It's supposed to be an exciting and happy time. I'm at the point where I want to sell up.
"Everyone says a good tradesman comes recommended. People had tagged him on social media and his work looked good."
In future, Paul said he would be more cautious. He added: "He's not a member of a professional body.
"In future I'd get a quote, get it in writing, get a fixed address and preferably a landline number. I really had a good feeling about him and thought I had a really good person who cares about their job and reputation."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
