[Caleb Morley]

Hi All,

I've had a customer say I've cracked and broken one of their roof tiles. I know we didn't do it but he's adamant it was me. It kind of ended in a stalemate. He said have a think about it and I've got to come back to him once I've "thought about it".

I don't know what to do, but I really don't want to pay for something I haven't done.

In the past where I've made mistakes I've always rectified matters and when required paid for minor repairs.

Can he sue me?

Cheers,

Caleb

[Don Kee]

If its just a broken tile, it should be pretty cheap and easy to sort buddy...


If it is then i'd go back and say 'i'm still apprehensive about accepting liability, as i'm pretty sure it wasn't us. But because we value you as a customer, we'll fix the issue this time' or to that effect...

[Mike #1]

Cant imagine so custy has clearly given you permission to gain access to clean the window so their fore you should not be liable .

If you were to offer to replace the tile you would only be admitting to something you have not done , For the sake of a few quid at most dont know why custy is hounding you a tile can be bought for  about £0.75 .

[mark15]

how could he sue you? im sure it has to be proved beyond reasonable doubt it was you.... your word against his

[SeanK]

how could he sue you? im sure it has to be proved beyond reasonable doubt it was you.... your word against his

Trust me, that's not how it works in a claims court.

[supernova77]

K

How much is the job worth?

Andy

[C o z y]

how could he sue you? im sure it has to be proved beyond reasonable doubt it was you.... your word against his

Nope, Civil court only needs probability percentage mate. "beyond reasonable doubt " is for criminal courts 

[colin bird]

I assume you trad,if you are you will know in your own mind if you did it or not,if you did stick your hand up and pay for the broken tile ,if  you know you didn't do it ,walk away,personally that's what I would do,as you will always be walking on egg shells with a customer like and waiting for the next time for the poop to hit the fan.

[Caleb Morley]

The thing that grates is that it was a one off job (I'm stilling doing them whole I build my round up) and I know we didn't do it. I've broken a tile before, admitted it and paid for the repair.

According to him it's not a simple repair as it's the second tile below rendering, below a bay window and so the rendering would have to be taken off.

[Tom-01]

Has he paid you mate?

If he has and you know you didn't do it just tell him it was already like it and you're not taking responsibility. He's probably only just realised and because he knows its not a straight forward job his trying to blame you.

[Caleb Morley]

Has he paid you mate?

If he has and you know you didn't do it just tell him it was already like it and you're not taking responsibility. He's probably only just realised and because he knows its not a straight forward job his trying to blame you.

The job was paid for by his wife, who - get this - asked that I do the job while her husband wasn't there as he wouldn't like it.

I'm thinking of asking for his email, sending him a polite email stating the points I made earlier today in person and saying I'm not taking responsibility.

I was very polite and professional this morning so that will help any developments.

[supernova77]

If you've already been paid, it was a one off and you know you didn't do it then just ignore them.

[Smudger]

It's a difficult one, if you were up there it's going to be difficult to argue your case.

As it's not a regular then write a letter that the damaged caused was not done by yourselves ( it's a shame you didn't notice it before your clean ) and supply the details of your insurance company. Let the insurer know the circumstances and there details making it clear your not admitting liability.

Let them sort it out

Darran

[Window Lickers]

If its just a broken tile, it should be pretty cheap and easy to sort buddy...


If it is then i'd go back and say 'i'm still apprehensive about accepting liability, as i'm pretty sure it wasn't us. But because we value you as a customer, we'll fix the issue this time' or to that effect...

I broke a slate on a house and the charge was £70.00.

[PoleKing]

It's a difficult one, if you were up there it's going to be difficult to argue your case.

As it's not a regular then write a letter that the damaged caused was not done by yourselves ( it's a shame you didn't notice it before your clean ) and supply the details of your insurance company. Let the insurer know the circumstances and there details making it clear your not admitting liability.

Let them sort it out

Darran

I really disagree with this Darran (no offence)
Don't give your insurance details out.
The customer will see you not having any negative comeback and him getting his slate paid for by the insurance company.
Which isn't how it'll work in reality.
If you've got a claim against you-which you will do if he calls them-your premium will go up...for years.

Long and short. Been paid? Walk away.
If he wants to chase you-let him.
(assuming you 100% know you didn't break the tile)

[Tom-01]

Mate I'd just leave it and if he contacts you just repeat that it wasn't you.

Am I right in saying its not a roof tile nut a wall tile?

[Caleb Morley]

Mate I'd just leave it and if he contacts you just repeat that it wasn't you.

Am I right in saying its not a roof tile nut a wall tile?

Yeah it's a roof tile. Think I'll email him my position (not sexual) and let him do whatever he wants. I didn't do it so why should I pay

[Smudger]

No offence pole king, we all have opinions and there are many differing ways to handle this, mine is one option. The insurance company is unlikely to pay out, but it gives the customer something to do and deflects it away from you.

Personally, I'd just replace it, it's not worth the hassle, and hopefully get some goodwill out of it

Darran

[rosskesava]

Caleb, I'm not being funny but how do you know it wasn't you?

[Don Kee]

If its just a broken tile, it should be pretty cheap and easy to sort buddy...


If it is then i'd go back and say 'i'm still apprehensive about accepting liability, as i'm pretty sure it wasn't us. But because we value you as a customer, we'll fix the issue this time' or to that effect...

I broke a slate on a house and the charge was £70.00.

Congratulations...

Theres a reasonably important word in my post though....'should'...this wonderfully underrated word suggests that although most tiles are cheap to fix there is still the possibility it may not be...