Shona R.
1/5
*This review solely represents my personal opinion based on a truthful reflection of my experience*
In my opinion, Struanâs not a capable Project Manager and his âlawyerâ brother has drafted a contract which seems to absolve him from taking any responsibility. I believe Struan should spend more time on sites (than what he did), instead of sitting at home making up numbers in his âcontract accountâ (Iâve not been presented with any evidence in support of figures in the excel sheet to prove otherwise). Once I signed the contract, I felt I was no longer a priority, as he seemed too busy quoting for other jobs. Hence, I had to be very hands-on and supervise myself, and constantly send reminders to ensure things were on track.
âIâm surprised theyâre still in businessâ is what multiple sub-contractors have said, majority didnât have a good word to say about Struanâs abilities as PM either. After we had signed the contract, I realised there was no formal schedule/plan. Struan also lied about not receiving invoices from sub-contractors, which most have confirmed they do send to him. Half way through the works, one sub-contractor walked out claiming non-payment, some others consistently did not turn up when supposed to, which meant work stalled when trades were reliant on each other. This resulted in us being left with an open roof (covered with tarpaulin) during the storms which flooded us and water damaged freshly painted walls. First I was told the joiner would install gutters, then roofers would do it, but no one ever did. I also ended up hiring my own decking company to add steps down to the garden to make it safe as it wasnât built for months. Struan had initially explained to us that LBCâs scope of works is per their Architectâs drawings, but guttering and roof vents have not been installed, external main door and window openings not finished and made good, gaping hole left in internal main walls after knocking through not made good, and the Juliet balcony included in the quote (cost as TBC), all remain incomplete to this day, after 8 months (which Struan assured would take 3-4 months). Struan had also assured us that completion certificate could be obtained for works completed by LBC (even if the attic was not finished inside), but now realise this was another lie.
In my opinion, some of the sub-contractorâs work is also of poor finish/quality - newly built front door step already broken, water doesnât drain from flat roof even after days of clear weather, flooring not installed per manufacturerâs instructions, insulation falling out, sub-par tiling done by unqualified tiler. LBC have since said âtrade contractors are employed by clientâ, even though they bring their own sub-contractors, and I had no input in vetting/hiring process. Struan refused to work with my plumber stating he only works with his own team of sub-contractors. He finally agreed when I didnât want to award him the contract as his plumber quote was double of mine. He then wanted to charge 7.5% fee, but eventually deducted this when challenged, as on completion of works my plumber highlighted that Struan hadnât really âproject managedâ him.
Whilst the contract states that LBC will act in the clientâs interest at all times, I feel this wasnât true in my case. I had very limited interaction with Struanâs father, Iain (company director) but felt he was more focussed on sending me threats, rather than hearing me out and addressing his sonâs incompetence at managing projects.
After speaking openly to some sub-contractors, I paid them directly when I suspected that LBC might potentially be committing fraud. So I refused to make further payments until presented with evidence in form of sub-contractor invoices, and confirming the payments made to them. I reported this to Action Fraud so this can be professionally investigated to establish the truth. In the meantime, when no evidence was provided to me, I suggested we go through an independent dispute resolution process, but LBC have passed me to debt collectors instead.
I feel bullied & I am tired!
