General Contractor Guide for Legal Guide

Where Homeowners Go For Help Do it Yourself Tips for Legal Guide

If a home owner wants to claim compensation he/she should consult an experienced advisor i.e. Citizens Advice Bureau, Solicitor .

Or if they feel able, they can go to their local county court, pick up a summons form, fill it in, return it to the court with the fee (find out the fee). The court will then process the summons form and send it onto the tradesperson. The tradesperson can then:

a) counter claim against you, this situation could arise where you have refused to pay for bad workmanship. If this happens the adjudicator in the small claims court will make a decision after listening to all the facts from both sides, so make sure you have all the evidence you need such as photos etc.

b) accept the complaint but wish to justify his actions - this will involve going to the small claims court and once again the adjudicator will decide after hearing all the facts.

c) Panic and put things right!

If point c above does not happen a date will be set to attend the small claims court, you do not normally have to wait too long.

This route is not as bad as it sounds. The system is designed for small claims up to $5000, it is not actually a court but a large room and you sit around a table. The adjudicator will insist on a certain degree of formality and will expect you to conduct yourself with dignity, restraint and politeness. Other than that it is quite informal and not at all frightening. The adjudicators decision is final.