Builders & Tradespeople
Hiring a builder, plumber, electrician, or other tradesperson creates a contract under UK law. If the work is substandard, unfinished, or overpriced, you have rights — and a formal letter citing them is often enough to prompt action.
The law that applies
Consumer Rights Act 2015, Section 49
Services must be performed with reasonable care and skill. If not, the consumer has the right to have the work redone or to receive a price reduction.
Consumer Rights Act 2015, Section 52
If repeat performance is not possible or the trader refuses, the consumer is entitled to a reduction in price.
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982
Services must be completed within a reasonable time and at a reasonable price if no fixed price was agreed.
The process — step by step
Formal letter to the tradesperson
Set out the defects in writing and request remedy — either correction of the work or a price reduction. Give a reasonable deadline (14 days is standard).
Escalate to the trade association
Gas Safe Register, NICEIC, Federation of Master Builders (FMB), NHBC — most reputable trades bodies have a dispute resolution service for registered members.
Small claims court
For amounts up to £10,000, the small claims track is designed for exactly these disputes. File online at gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money.
Escalation path
Trade association complaints / Small Claims Court
The correct trade association depends on the type of work. Gas Safe for gas work, NICEIC or NAPIT for electrical, FMB for builders. A letter to the association often prompts action faster than legal threats.
Important warnings
Get independent quotes for the cost of putting things right — this is your evidence of the value of your claim.
Withholding payment entirely can be risky — withhold only the disputed portion if possible.
If the trader is not registered with a trade body, small claims court is your main route.
What Fight My Corner covers for this dispute
What's included
- Formal demand for remedial work
- Letter seeking price reduction for substandard work
- Pre-action protocol letter before small claims
What's not included
- Building safety or structural inspections
- Planning disputes
- NHBC warranty claims (separate process)
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Legal disclaimer · Fight My Corner provides letter generation tools, not legal advice.