ᐅ Cantilever staircase is unstable; the stair builder is not a true specialist.
Created on: 30 Jan 2025 16:37
F
Fenix34Hello dear forum members,
I am completely desperate. We are currently building a house. I have wanted a cantilever staircase for years. Unfortunately, the companies specializing in cantilever staircases were outside our budget. That’s why I placed an ad on eBay Classifieds, and someone responded claiming to be a staircase builder. His price was “only” half of what the specialists charge, which is still quite a lot of money. In the end, he tried three times to attach the steps to the concrete wall. On the first attempt, the steps did not hold. On the second attempt, he used different anchors. On the third attempt, he used adhesive. The steps held for about three weeks with the adhesive. The staircase was never used, but just now we saw that one step slipped out and is no longer properly fixed.
After the first failed attempt, I became suspicious and contacted the Chamber of Crafts. Although he is registered there, he is not registered as a staircase builder; he is only allowed to manufacture wire frames.
Of course, we made an initial down payment. After the third attempt, we also paid the remaining amount.
I no longer trust him. Should I involve a lawyer and demand my money back, or should I give him another chance? I am worried that someone might get hurt if the staircase is not properly designed and secured.
I am completely desperate. We are currently building a house. I have wanted a cantilever staircase for years. Unfortunately, the companies specializing in cantilever staircases were outside our budget. That’s why I placed an ad on eBay Classifieds, and someone responded claiming to be a staircase builder. His price was “only” half of what the specialists charge, which is still quite a lot of money. In the end, he tried three times to attach the steps to the concrete wall. On the first attempt, the steps did not hold. On the second attempt, he used different anchors. On the third attempt, he used adhesive. The steps held for about three weeks with the adhesive. The staircase was never used, but just now we saw that one step slipped out and is no longer properly fixed.
After the first failed attempt, I became suspicious and contacted the Chamber of Crafts. Although he is registered there, he is not registered as a staircase builder; he is only allowed to manufacture wire frames.
Of course, we made an initial down payment. After the third attempt, we also paid the remaining amount.
I no longer trust him. Should I involve a lawyer and demand my money back, or should I give him another chance? I am worried that someone might get hurt if the staircase is not properly designed and secured.
N
nordanney30 Jan 2025 16:42Fenix34 schrieb:
Should I involve a lawyer and demand my money back, or give him another chance? Consult a lawyer. Get advice on whether you have properly reported the defects and given him the opportunity to carry out corrective work in a legally effective way. If necessary, you may need to do this.
I am assuming this is not undeclared work.
P.S. According to Annex A of the Crafts Code, staircase construction is not a trade requiring a master craftsman license. So anyone is allowed to do it.
nordanney schrieb:
Go to a lawyer. Get advice on whether you have properly reported the defects and given him the opportunity to carry out the rectification in a legally secure way. If necessary, you may need to follow up on this.
I assume this is not undeclared work.
P.S. According to Appendix A of the Crafts Code, stair construction is not a trade requiring a master craftsman certificate. So, anyone is allowed to do it. No, this is not undeclared work. He issued a proper invoice, which we have paid.
H
hanghaus202330 Jan 2025 20:18Is there a plan or detailed design for the staircase? It should include the structurally required anchor.
I can’t quite picture it at the moment. Do you have any pictures of the issue?
I can’t quite picture it at the moment. Do you have any pictures of the issue?
H
hanghaus202330 Jan 2025 20:51If the contractor has made unsuccessful corrections three times, in my opinion, you should have the right to terminate the contract. Announce any additional costs incurred due to awarding the work to another party. Whether you can recover anything is questionable.
Fenix34 schrieb:
For years, I wanted a cantilever staircase. Unfortunately, the companies specializing in cantilever staircases were out of our budget. So I posted an ad on eBay Classifieds, and someone replied claiming to be a staircase builder. It only cost "half as much" with him, which was still a lot of money. You'll probably have to accept that a lawyer will ask what kind of success you expected when you post an ad titled "Tuition fees paid too much – looking for a charlatan." There’s often a good reason for the prices on some things.
nordanney schrieb:
P.S. According to Annex A of the Crafts Code, staircase construction is not a trade requiring master certification. So anyone is allowed to do it. Well, it’s unlikely that the non-certified builder here was completely unaware of his incompetence. If the lawyer is experienced, this could be seen as fraudulent inducement.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Similar topics