Changing builders

wageslave22

Anyone have any experience in changing builders midway through construction? There's no full contract in place but we've agreed on stage payments. If the stage payments are up to date can we just go our seperate ways?

Poor Uncle Tom

If its amicable, then why not?

I have found that the stage payment breakdown is never going to be split euro perfect, if the stages were determined by the builder then they are likely to be front loaded to some extent, if the stages were determined by yourself with your architect/technician/supervisor/inspector/engineer then the stages are likely to be back loaded.

It is a little worrying that you say you don't have a contract. You would want to iron out your current builders scope of works cover and structural responsibilities, especially if the building will be sold anytime in the next 20 years.

What professional is looking after the works for you?
What do they think of this?
What advice has your solicitor given?
Why are you getting rid of your builder now?

RKQ

I agree, very well put Uncle Tom.
As said Stage Payments are very approximate and will never reflect the true cost at that "stage".
Be very careful as these situations tend to become very messy very quickly!