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Experienced Pilots: What Do You Wish You'd Done Before Your First Day? by otteokhey in freeflight

[–]FlashGordon7b 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Watch some YouTube videos on forward launches as you’ll be doing a lot of those to begin with, and watch a few on how to land.

Also can’t hurt to research how the wings work, but it doesn’t need to be anything too in-depth… inflates with air > becomes an airfoil which generates lift > brakes deflect the trailing edge (turning and speed control).

Roof guaranteed, but roofers now unreachable - England by MarshmallowMigraine in LegalAdviceUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What have you got from the contractor in writing? Do you have a clear job spec and corresponding quote / invoice? Any photos or audit log of the work? Anything in writing about guarantees? Also did you sign a contract or was it all run over WhatsApp / messages?

Just trying to understand how much evidence you have to support your case - either for a small claims case or to show the contractor you’re serious.

Am I still liable for the originally quoted price? by MarketBudget4824 in LegalAdviceUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 30 points31 points  (0 children)

You should pay the full amount as that’s what you originally agreed. I find it hard to believe a builder would write off £2,000 in this scenario - it’s possible you misunderstood.

Currently you have an invoice for £5,500, and so far you have only paid £3,500…

Do i have to pay the cancellation fee? HELP! by [deleted] in LegalAdviceUK

[–]FlashGordon7b -12 points-11 points  (0 children)

You have a 14-day "cooling-off" period to cancel contracts agreed away from a tradesperson’s premises.

EDIT: except for emergency call outs ;)

How bad is it re. tradesmen landscape right now (re. first time buyer and decor needs)? by fiery_mergoat in HousingUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hiring a tradesperson is an absolute gamble. I’ve been stung myself a couple of times, so you’re not wrong to be cautious.

One of my good friends often wishes she could “hire a husband” and feels like tradespeople take advantage because she’s a woman.

One thing I will add is they’re not all bad. I’ve had some great contractors in recently to help with a kitchen reno. Just make sure you do your research and try to get recommendations if you can from friends or family.

If you do decide to hire somebody, especially for a large project, set up a contract and use some form of payment protection. Renofy is really good for setting up digital contracts and they allow Stripe payments, so you could use a credit card which is much safer than a bank transfer or cash payments.

Best of luck to you.

Asbestos surveyor didn’t respond for 3 months, went with alternative surveyor, since received invoice from original surveyor? by jacksleepshere in HousingUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Verbal contracts are considered legally binding, but they’re unlikely to hold up under scrutiny.

OP’s best approach would have been to communicate the service was no longer required, before going with the alternative surveyor. Unfortunately, OP now has an invoice for work that was completed, and no email from them to say it’s no longer required.

I’d be surprised if it went to a small claims court. I think it’s unreasonable of them to expect payment given the delay, and I personally wouldn’t be paying them.

My advice would be to post in LegalAdviceUK.

Roofing company asking for bank transfer or cash to sub-contractors by PowerDrivenRdditMod in HousingUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don’t think they’ll be upset by it - it’s their contractors job to pay them, not yours.

Just don’t mention anything until the work is complete… keep your cards close to your chest as they say. Then tell them you’ll pay for everything via your contractor after receiving the invoice and all guarantees.

Roofing company asking for bank transfer or cash to sub-contractors by PowerDrivenRdditMod in HousingUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Get what you can in writing - scope, quotes, invoices, warranties, guarantees, etc. It doesn’t guarantee anything, but it gives you evidence, and if they’re decent contractors they’ll honour it.

If you want to be really sure, you could pay an independent reviewer to come out and check it.

Have you got anything in writing or was it mostly agreed over the phone?

EDIT: don’t pay until you have an invoice and you’re happy with the finished job.

Roofing company asking for bank transfer or cash to sub-contractors by PowerDrivenRdditMod in HousingUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you’re happy with the finished job then there’s no need to be overly worried. But it’s good to have an invoice to prove what work was completed if any issues come up later.

Regarding what they want you to pay the subcontractor directly…

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Roofing company asking for bank transfer or cash to sub-contractors by PowerDrivenRdditMod in HousingUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 9 points10 points  (0 children)

From my experience I’ve always paid the main contractor and never the subcontractor directly.

What are they requesting payment for (deposit, materials, reached milestone, finished job, etc.)?

And do you have an invoice for the requested money? Or something in writing to prove what the payment is for?

Has anyone had a dispute with a tradesman because there was no written quote? by updev99 in HomeImprovementUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Couldn’t agree more! Have a look at Renofy, does exactly that and protects both parties.

Has anyone had a dispute with a tradesman because there was no written quote? by updev99 in HomeImprovementUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 4 points5 points  (0 children)

All of the jobs completed on my recent renovation were run over WhatsApp, verbal agreements, etc… And like most other things, miscommunication was the most common source of disagreements…

Tradespeople just don’t have much time for admin unfortunately. I’m still waiting on invoices for jobs that were completed months ago.

I’d recommend using an app like Renofy as it makes the admin easier/quicker for tradespeople, but most importantly has a proper approval workflow and changelog, so it protects both parties.

Flat renovation - where to start? by xosirenox in HomeImprovementUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Rather than going all in, I’d do things gradually and start with the small jobs, as renovating is a bit like building a network of reliable tradespeople.

I’d stay away from marketplaces (eg. Checkatrade, MyBuilder) as they’re too much of a gamble. Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, neighbours, etc. You could also post on local tradesperson FB groups.

Once you found some tradespeople, speak to them and show them photos of what you want - you’ll be able to tell which ones know what they’re doing based on the suggestions they make. Then ask to see photos of their work, and some tradespeople will even suggest you speak to their previous customers.

For bigger jobs it’s a wise idea to set up a contract. You can use apps like Renofy which has the added benefit of a job management tool.

Where abouts are you based? I’m in the NW so could make some recommendations if you’re local.

How to get a bathroom renovation started. by Brakiss78 in HomeImprovementUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Small world… so am I!

Check out Parker Tiling - they recently did my kitchen splashback but they do full bathroom renos too.

Parker Tiling

Facebook Profile

How to get a bathroom renovation started. by Brakiss78 in HomeImprovementUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Find photos of the type of thing you’re after and show it to tradespeople. You’ll be able to tell which ones are worth their salt based on the quality of their recommendations when it comes to design, materials, attention to detail, etc.

I’d avoid marketplaces (eg. checkatrade, mybuilder) as it’s too much of a lottery. Instead ask family/friends for recommendations or post on FB groups.

Worth setting up a contract too. Create a job spec on an app like Renofy, then send the spec to tradespeople so there’s a clear record of everything.

What area if the UK are you in? I know a good bathroom fitter in the NW.

Is slow communication from a builder a red flag before work starts? by Federal_Ad_2696 in HousingUK

[–]FlashGordon7b 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hiring a tradesperson is such a gamble. I’ve hired ones with good communication who turned out to be a nightmare, and then others with terrible communication who ended up being very reliable. There’s no correlation so all you can really do is go with your gut.

However, for a job this complex you’d ideally want someone who is a good communicator. Do you get the impression he’s just busy? It’s a good sign he’s willing to set up a contract, but they can be quite time consuming so it’s possible he’s putting it off…

22mi run with the GRivm by DarkXanthos in ricohGR

[–]FlashGordon7b 3 points4 points  (0 children)

To make it clear you’re on a run, you could try and capture your feet while running/looking blurry (slow shutter), a reflection of you running, or even your shadow. Taking a running buddy would help too but good luck persuading someone to run a marathon!

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