Building
A householder awarded a contract to a local small builder for the creation of a new kitchen.
The work comprised the stripping out of all the existing kitchen fittings and fixtures; the design of a new kitchen layout and the installation of new appliances, cupboards etc.
It was agreed that the work would be completed within a set time scale.
When the builder commenced work the householder asked for certain modifications to the layout to be made during the course of the work and also changed the requirement for the stone worktop.
The contract was not completed within the agreed timescale and the builder claimed for additional costs.
The householder refused to pay the sum claimed by the builder and made a counterclaim for delay and the standard of work.
The Court advised the parties to mediate before going to trial.
The dispute was resolved after a mediation by the householder agreeing that the work had taken longer than planned due to the changes instructed during the course of the work and the builder accepted that not all the costs claimed were justifiable and agreeing to the householder paying a reduced sum in six monthly instalments.