ᐅ Cantilever staircase is unstable; the stair builder is not a true specialist.

Hello 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.