Fitter is coming today to remove the faulty sink and then fit/plumb the replacement. The manufacturer of the sink is Blanco, supplied by a recommended retailer in Notts. The supplier up to now has been very helpful with other appliances we've purchased for the kitchen (over £2k), but we're feeling very let down at the moment.

I purchased a composite sink and had this fitted at the same time as a worktop (undermounted and sealed to the worktop). The sink was then plumbed in the following day by the kitchen fitter, when a hole was found in the sink. The hole needs a light behind it to see its that small. The problem was reported to the retailer, who then reported it to the manufacturer, who then requested photos, barcodes etc. We've finally received a replacement 2 weeks later, but now have to pay for the fitter to return and remove the faulty sink and fit the replacement. I've asked for this cost to be reimbursed, but the retailer and manufacturer have said no. What course of action could be followed.

Appreciate the reply and video link - ours is nothing like the finish demonstrated!. The quote was based on a standing seam zinc system. The system purchased by the builder is well documented on the internet with details on how to install and finish. These have not been followed. The remaining work is to fit doors and windows which is being undertaken by a contractor that I was paying direct, the roof - which is outlined above, and then knocking through into the extension which involves steelwork, electrics, plumbing and plastering. The builder has been paid for all work to-date. I don't have a problem bringing in and managing the various trades.

Hi everyone. I'm having an extension built at the rear of my property, which includes a zinc roof. We obtained a quote from local builders, and shortlisted, went to view his work, and spoke to his customers - all spoke well of him. The build progressed well up to roof level, at which point the builder mentioned the contractor he had included within his quote to supply the zinc roofing had gone under. He proceeded to identify a zinc supplier himself, order the sheets, and fit them. The finish didn't look correct (as I'd been looking on-line at finished projects), so I questioned him on the finish, and he stated it was fitted correctly. Still not happy I brought in a few zinc installers who have all stated its been incorrectly specified and fitted with problems including incorrect type of zinc, wrong size nails in the zinc clips (could result in the sheets coming loose), sheets being too short, not watertight - and the list goes on. When I gave him the news, his answer was - "you asked for zinc, you got zinc". He's been aggressive in his communication and is threatening legal action against me as he doesn't want the cost of correcting this using experienced and trained contractors. In a nutshell, he's tried to increase his profit by doing the job himself, has purchased £2k worth of zinc that looks as though it cannot be used, and he's been told to do the job correctly is going to cost between £4-6k. He'd already left site as we were waiting for windows and doors to be manufactured and fitted, but in all honesty I don't want him back. This work hasn't been done with a contract, just on the back of a hand-shake. I'd appreciate some advice on how to proceed, as I need to understand where I stand with regard to formally ending his involvement and bringing in trades to complete the work. There's also the £2k of zinc that I've paid for and cannot be used, and he's also retained structural steelwork that I've paid for and will need to finish the work. Many Thanks.

Thanks again.

Delivered and signed for on the 11th July, so it looks as though the letters have crossed.

Yes it was sent recorded/signed for. My wife has the PO receipt, so I'll have to check it when she gets home.

Update...I sent the reply as outlined above, and today my parents received a further demand. In this one it states they have spoken to their client, and are offering a reduced payment - as long as its made by the end of the month! This bunch really are thick skinned!

Many thanks for the quick replies - really appreciated. I've asked them to obtain copies of their credit files, and I'm seeing them again tomorrow so will check if this has been done. Regards.

Hi folks, a great forum with loads of advice. I could do with some assistance on the following, as I'm unsure how to proceed or which template to use. My parents recently received a Debt Collection Notification letter from Equidebt, acting for Aktiv Kapital UK Limited, stating they owed over a thousand pounds and needed to reply within 7 days. My parents knew nothing about the alleged debt, so on their behalf I wrote back to them within the 7 days, using the following content: You have contacted me regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by myself. I would point out that I have no knowledge of any such debt being owed. I am familiar with the “Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance” which states that it is unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question. I would also point out that the OFT say under the guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods. Furthermore, ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment. I would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above account unless you can provide evidence as to my liability for the debt in question. I await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise, I will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions. I look forward to your reply. Yours faithfully Today, a follow-up letter has been received stating: With reference to recent correspondence regarding the above account. We can confirm this account relates to an ###### account. This account was passed to us on ##/##/## with a balance of £#,###.##. The reference number relating to this account is ######## however; please quote the Equidebt reference in any contact with ourselves. The following information relates to this account: Client Reference: ######## Default Date: 15th February 2000 We now require your immediate proposals for repayment. My parents still know nothing about the alleged debt, and this is worrying my mother to the point its affecting her health. Any advice on how to proceed would be very welcome. Cheers.