How I hate...

...con-merchants that take advantage of the elderly.

During the recent gales a passing (???) builder knocked to point out to Mum that her chimney stack was wobbling all over the place. It was moving dangerously so she agreed to have him fix it.

£900 later (apparently should have been £1300 but he gives a discount to pensioners - yeh right).

Despite knowing that it would need to go through the insurance he asked for payment and now Mum has been told that the insurance policy probably won't pay out as the bill has been paid.

But it gets worse...

Mum hasn't been very well (Winter bug) and hasn't been able to get out much so she obviously found this 'pleasant' chap a ready ear for her to chat to. She was telling him about the problem with drainage on her driveway and how the door at the back of her extension wouldn't open.

Next thing we know, he has priced the work - got her to sign for it and made a start after taking a deposit.

Over £8000 for the total job!!!

Mum was then talking about getting him to do other things but we said no, especially as this has wiped out all her savings.

After seeing what has been done so far, I can say he has made a reasonable job of things but it isn't perfect and for what is involved I don't think should have come to more than £4000.

Mum is obviously feeling very weepy about the whole thing and is worried because she now has no savings to fall back on should an emergency arise.

Oh how I hate smooth talking con-merchants.

He is due back Wednesday to finish off the back wall of the extension (which he had already removed and tarped - in these winds - but was still waiting for the door). Mum will not be alone when he calls as both my Sister & I will be present.

The invoice he provided does not breakdown the costings and there is no invoice number (the box has been struck through - obviously not intending to put this work through the books!!!).

The worry is, having seen what still needs to be done to make the building secure we can't go in like a bull in a china shop incase he goes and leaves it as is...

The whole thing is making me feel sick and I can understand why Mum is feeling so upset now that she realises she has been taken for a ride...........................................