UKA builder started work but never finished. What remedies do I have?
You may be entitled to repeat performance, a price reduction, or termination of the contract — especially if the builder is a trader and you’re a consumer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives consumers clear rights when services — like building work — are not carried out with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time, or as agreed.
If a builder (acting as a trader) starts work but fails to finish it, this likely breaches the service contract. Under section 52 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you — as a consumer — are entitled to remedies including repeat performance or a price reduction.
Repeat performance means the builder must complete the work properly, at their own cost and within a reasonable time — usually no more than 30 days. If that’s impossible or disproportionate (e.g., too costly or impractical), you can instead claim a price reduction — which could be up to 100% of what you paid.
You may also terminate the contract and claim a refund for any part of the service not delivered — but only if the breach is sufficiently serious (a ‘significant failure’).
Statutory TextIf the trader fails to comply with a term of the contract that requires the trader to carry out the service with reasonable care and skill, the consumer has the right to require the trader to perform the service again, within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience to the consumer, and at the trader’s expense.
— Consumer Rights Act 2015, s. 52 — Right to repeat performance
What to Do
Check whether the builder is a ‘trader’ and you’re a ‘consumer’ (i.e., acting outside your business).
Write to the builder clearly stating the breach and requesting repeat performance within a reasonable time (e.g., 30 days).
If repeat performance is refused, not possible, or not done properly, request a fair price reduction or full refund for undelivered work.
Keep copies of all correspondence, contracts, invoices, and photos of incomplete work.
If unresolved, consider using the small claims court (for claims up to £10,000) or contacting Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.