The work stopped.
Your home is in pieces.
Deposits taken. Rooms unusable. Builders not answering. This is one of the most stressful situations a homeowner can face — and you have more options than you think.
If work has stopped or the builder has gone quiet — start documenting right now.
Photographs, messages, invoices, and a written timeline are your most important assets. The sooner you gather them, the stronger your position.
Recognise your situation
Builder disputes come in many forms. Most share one thing: you paid for something and did not get it. Here is what we see most often.
Deposit paid. Builder vanished.
You paid upfront in good faith. Now they are not answering calls, messages, or the door.
Get guidanceWork left half-finished
Scaffolding still up. Rooms unusable. The builder stopped showing up weeks ago.
Get guidanceThe work is wrong
Leaking roof after a repair. Cracked tiles. Electrics that failed inspection. Work that does not match what was agreed.
Get guidanceProperty damaged during work
The builder caused damage to your home — cracked walls, broken pipes, damaged floors — and is refusing to fix it.
Get guidanceOvercharged or billed for work not done
The final invoice bears no resemblance to the original quote. You are being pressured to pay.
Get guidanceNot sure what your options are
The situation is messy. You are not sure what you can claim, who is liable, or where to start.
Get guidanceDocument everything.
Right now.
The single most important thing you can do before speaking to anyone — including us — is to build a clear evidence record. Courts and solicitors work with evidence. The more you have, the stronger your position.
Even if you are not sure whether you have a case, having this evidence ready means you can act quickly when you decide to.
Photograph everything
Every room, every defect, every unfinished area. Date-stamped photos are powerful evidence.
Save all messages
WhatsApp, texts, emails — screenshot and back them up. Do not delete anything.
Gather all paperwork
Quotes, invoices, receipts, contracts (written or verbal notes), bank transfer records.
Write a timeline
When work started, when it stopped, what was said, what was promised. Dates matter.
Get an independent assessment
A builder or surveyor who can assess the work quality in writing is extremely valuable.
What can you actually do?
Most builder disputes have a clear path forward. The right route depends on the amount involved, the evidence you have, and whether the builder is still trading.
Letter Before Action
A formal written demand is required before any court action. It sets out what you are owed, why, and gives a 14-day deadline. Many disputes resolve at this stage.
Required before courtSmall Claims Court
For disputes up to £10,000, the small claims court is designed for people without solicitors. Court fees start from £35. Most cases settle before the hearing.
Up to £10,000Specialist Solicitor
For complex cases, high-value disputes, or where the builder is a limited company, a specialist solicitor can handle everything — often on a no win, no fee basis.
Complex or high-valueFree callback · No obligation · UK-wide
Describe your situation
Builder disputes are messy and stressful. A 10-minute conversation with a specialist can cut through the confusion and tell you exactly what your options are — without any pressure to proceed.
Free callback
No cost. No obligation. Just honest guidance on your situation.
Within 1–2 working days
We aim to call everyone back within 48 hours.
Qualified specialists
Connected to vetted solicitors with builder dispute experience.
Not sure if you have a case? That is exactly what the callback is for. You do not need to have everything figured out before you call.
Request a callback
A specialist will call you back within 1–2 working days
What people ask us
Honest answers about builder disputes in the UK.
Yes, but it depends on what was agreed and what evidence you have. If the builder took a deposit and did not start work — or vanished mid-project — you may be able to pursue recovery through the small claims court. A formal Letter Before Action is the first step. If the builder is a limited company, enforcement options may differ from pursuing a sole trader.
Poor workmanship means work that does not meet the standard a reasonable person would expect, given the price paid and what was agreed. Examples include cracks in plaster, leaks after roofing work, uneven tiling, unsafe electrics, or work that does not match the agreed specification. Photographs, independent expert reports, and the original agreement are key evidence.
No. Verbal agreements are legally binding in the UK. Evidence such as emails, text messages, WhatsApp conversations, quotes, invoices, and photographs of the work can all support your position. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.
For disputes under £10,000, the small claims court is often the most practical route. However, mediation can be faster and cheaper if both parties are willing. The court may ask whether you attempted mediation before proceedings. A specialist can advise which route suits your situation.
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have six years from the date the breach occurred to bring a claim for breach of contract. For personal injury caused by defective work, the time limit is three years. Acting sooner is always better — evidence fades and builders may disappear.
No. Claim Builder provides general guidance and helps connect you with specialist solicitors. It does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.
You do not have to accept this.
Whether the builder has disappeared, the work is wrong, or you are not sure what to do next — a specialist can help you understand your options and take the right action.
Speak to someone about thisFree · No obligation · Private & secure
Legal disclaimer: This service provides general guidance and connections to independent specialist solicitors. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship with Claim Builder. Claim Builder is not a law firm.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyse traffic, and personalise content.
You can accept or reject non-essential cookies. Privacy Policy
Essential Cookies
Always ActiveRequired for the site to function. Includes authentication, payment processing (Stripe), and saving your progress. Cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it. Data is anonymised and never sold to third parties.
Marketing Cookies
Used to show you relevant content and measure the effectiveness of our communications. You can opt out at any time.