What steps can be taken against a contractor who does not comply with agreements?

Questioner

We hired a handyman a year ago to do several things for us. At first it started with 1 job but since we wanted to have several things done and we were in talks with several companies and he heard that and he indicated that he could do all that or that he could someone who could do that for him. So we asked him to do it completely for us. At first it went well and they came regular jobs and started in many places. Because of this he also wanted to buy many things and asked us for the money for that. For as long as necessary he put everything in his shed that he had somewhere. After he got into a fight with one of his buddies with whom he was supposed to do the job, things went wrong. The bathroom turned out to be that size to be poorly tiled and many other mistakes that he himself indicated he was responsible for and that he wanted to fix. This also cost him money because it also involved purchasing new materials. He came less and less often and did not keep many appointments such as when he would come or when we would stuff that he could eventually see in his shed etc. After many attempts to get him back to work he has been back for 1 day and is now leaving completely unaware again. On the advice of an acquaintance, we have already sent him a notice of default by registered mail, but he never picked it up. The letter is by the way also sent by email and Whatsapp. He came to us with all kinds of excuses and sorry etc. and indicated that he hoped to be able to start again. We accepted this but since then he has been there for about 1 day and a half hours. This was almost a month ago now. The entire process is now more than a year and nothing has been fully finished by him. We have started to finish things ourselves so that the house is somewhat livable again. There is no contract but there is a lot of WhatsApp communication in which the amounts and agreements are stated. It concerns an amount of approximately €80,000.00 for which things have been done, correct or not, but not finished. What steps can/should we take?

Lawyer

In this case, it is important that the handyman is held liable for the damage and delays incurred. Also, it is advisable to cancel the entire agreement, which will allow you to start with a clean slate regarding the negotiations about the jobs. All costs incurred can be reclaimed. If you contact me further via this platform or via email address: groenewegenjuristen@gmail.com then I can legally assist you in this. If you have any questions, please ask them.