I think you did nothing wrong, a lot of small construction and repair works are done the same way as you described.

People who blame you for not having a contract probably dont live here..

Try to call them using different phone nr.

If you dont know where they live and they dont respond, I would take the loss because all other options probably cost more.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

 

Life’s too short to constantly worry about being cheated.

Anyone can cheat me once...

On 5/11/2018 at 6:35 AM, mogandave said:

It was good that you were able to find the shop and compel them to refund your money.

yes. I sat in their shop and refused to leave. there was a new fridge in there and tools. The worker tried to get me out and lock up but I refused. Its possibly the main reason that we got our money back. Otherwise I think they would not have gone to the atm

Indeed

Do not pay upfront.

 

I did one price job with a builder with very basic agreement as to his scope of works.

 

Basic materials are paid COD and special orders with a small deposit.

 

Payed him in installments as the job progressed.

 

Current project is on a daily rate, materials again COD and labour paid every two weeks in arrears.

 

Agree with mogandave that for one-off custom design (such as our louvre vents) a reasonable deposit is required - around 30%.

 

Also, keep a good diary and update daily.

Also, source your own materials to avoid the builders mark-up.

Also, source your own materials to avoid the builders mark-up.

The builder will get their money one way or another.