Hi all, About 12 months ago my partner and I bought three ceiling lights from Dunelm and fitted them using the recommended bulbs. Over the past 12 months dark stains have appeared on our ceiling above each bulb. A sample light was sent back to Dunelm who investigated the issue with the supplier and eventually accepted liability, offering to pay to have our ceilings repainted. This is all great and we're happy with the service. We obtained quotes and sent a middle-of-the-road quote to Dunelm for approval, however they refuse to send me the money, instead insisting the money is paid directly to the decorator we contract to do the work. I have a few issues with this. It's not the decorator who has suffered a loss, we have, so why is not us who are compensated for an agreed sum? Second, I have never paid upfront for any work in the past, which appears to be what Dunelm expect me to do in effect. I guess my question is, is there any basis on which to insist it is me who is compensated, leaving me free to contract whomever I wish?

Hi, This is my first post here so I hope its in the appropriate place. This is a lengthy post so I apologise in advance! Last week me and my wife decided to have the hall stairs and landing painted in our house, we've never used a decorator before but due to the fact we live in a town house I was quite daunted by painting the high bits of the staircase. I found an advert in the local paper and contacted the decorator who came round that day to give me a quote. He quoted £480 plus materials at £150. A day or two later I called him and accepted and he called round to pick up the £150 for the materials. He started this Monday, the alarm bells started to ring when he went straight to the painting stage without doing any preparation which wasnt what I was expecting, but trusting he was an expert I let him crack on. On Wednesday my wife called me to say that he had finished and was leaving but that she wasnt happy with the job. Not wanting to confront the decorator on her own (although he was a nice enough guy) I phoned him and asked him to come back this morning when I would be there. I got home and had a look at the job and was frankly astounded at the poor quality of the work. The lack of preparation in both the walls and the woodwork really showed, the cutting in also was terrible. The guy came roun this morning and I pointed out the many bits I wasn't happy with. In fairness he went round and addressed each issue (not to my satisfaction but he did try). About lunchtime he told me that he was finished and I walked round again. I wasnt over joyed at the finished job but I thought we could live with it, I did however notice that the walls were patchy in lots of places (again i presume this was down to lack of preparation) I pointed this out and asked if he would give it another roller coat at which point he said he would but didn't look happy. He then packed his van without a word and left..... Im a bit confused as to where i stand now. I have only paid the materials and have been left with an awful painting job... Any advice would be most welcome. Kind Regards Sam

We have at the moment, a firm of painters and decorators in to do some work paid for by our insurance company. They were one of 4 that quoted for work and the insurance company told us it was acceptable to go with them. They started work yesterday and to be honest its rubbish. We had brand new windows and door fitted 2 weeks agao and they have GLOSSED over the wood effect UPVC sills round the door! They have also splashed paint over a cast iron radiator we paid over £200 to have restored. The paintwork hasnt been prepped and there are lumps and bumps all over it. They also said they werent going to line the walls prior to papering. Since they stripped the walls its clear they need lining and the boss has told me if iwant it lining it will add an extra day and extra cost onto it. The quote says prepare walls and ceiling - does that not mean lining also?? The boss is on his way to see the door frame and the woodwork, but i could do with some quick advice as to where i stand. I certainly dont want the quote being more as i doubt the insurance company will pay it.