When I awoke; my first thoughts were where is the builders outside van; because, the last time, I spoke to the guy...he said he would put in a 'temporary' measure for £250.00.
However, when I looked across the road, I didn't see their builders van across the street; so, I figured they might not be there.
In the mean time, whilst waiting for their builders van to appear...; I decided now might be a good opportune time to go outside; and, cut down the front hedge. So, I went and cut down both my hedge side/and, also, the side of next door neighbour, Ken.
I was 'thinking' about leaving Ken a note...; but, ultimately, I didn't bother. Not too sure how he's going to react...; after I went and snubbed his child...by not saying 'hello' back...when he spoke to me through the garden fence.
It's remarkable how small things can lead to big problems, later on, sometimes; big problems that you weren't really expecting. I didn't deliberately snub the child; as I actually 'like' him; but, I was so engrossed in my own problems, at the time, which is why I didn't answer back. Anyway, ultimately, I decided to just, simply, keep 'quiet'; and, basically, leave things like that.
15:00 PM PHONED BUILDERS/LEFT ANSWER MACHINE MESSAGE
I phoned the builders on their mobile number; however, there was only an 'answer machine' response; so, I left a message stating...I was told to go and get the £250.00; and, they would do some 'temporary' work; and, then, I added I would like to discuss pulling down the wall/and, putting up a new wall.
My guess is, these people are from outside of London; so I'm really not too sure if I will get back any response.
15:30 PM SPOKE TO THE BUILDER: DAN
I heard a knock at the door; and, when I went and opened it. I saw a different 'builder' guy from last time; his name is, Dan. He looked a lot younger than the last guy...; the other one -(forgot to get his name)- was aged around 50+; this guy looked to be somewhere around 30+.
I'm not too sure how much to trust this guy; his immediate quote to me was £10,000.00. Then, when I explained that I'm 'unemployed'/and, had many other bills to pay. He said how much can you afford; so, I answered him 4 grand. He said, it's a really big job to have to complete...; according to him the damage extends to cover around 3 floors.
1> The topmost tank seems to be 'leaking', in my opinion; however, the last guy mentioned it could be something to do with the guttering outside which is causing the leak(and, yes, I agree that is possible; because, the gutter is, usually, blocked with falling leaves; and, the wooden ladder I have out there...is too water logged to be safe enough to climb up to go and clear it).
2> The next floor down, the bathroom is leaking(cold water tap refuses to turn off); bathroom/toilet wall is threatening to collapse...as it has come away from the rest of the wall almost completely.
3> The bottom most ceiling plaster has already fallen down; and, it has exposed the wooden beams up above...which are all totally rotting...due to the constant 'leak' from the bathroom up above.
What I didn't like about this Dan was he tried to pressure me to pay him, immediately, right away; but, I had to keep on telling him...I need some time to think about it.
His answer was, living in this sort of situation is extremely 'dangerous'; as the whole of the building structure could completely collapse at any time; and, if that ever happens then the whole house would be worth, quite literally, nothing.
I just repeated what was my first stance...that I need some time to be able to 'think' about it...how to organise finances/-etc.
He said, if you give me 2 grand, now; then, I will go and buy the building materials...; then, I will start work on Tuesday.
I answered him don't buy anything, yet; because I need to work out if I can get some help from Center 70/-etc.
I also left my phone number on his phone by typing it in.
Finally, the guy left.
20:30 PM DAN PHONED, AGAIN, WITH A LOWER OFFER: £800.00
I was sitting right beside the phone when I got another phone call from Dan, the builder. This time he offered me a lower offer of £800.00 to do some minimal work.
I told him I would still need time to think about it; because, I'm not the type who is into making decisions, instantly, right away. I will need to very carefully weigh up exactly what all of my options are, first.
I told him I would still need time to think about it; because, I'm not the type who is into making decisions, instantly, right away. I will need to very carefully weigh up exactly what all of my options are, first.
His reply was, I should call his partner, Simon, if I wish to get in touch. So, we both dropped the conversation there.
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