Since my builder won’t commit himself in writing to the date when the work will actually start I’ve refused to pay a deposit. Is there any law requiring a contractor to give a commitment about when the work will be carried out?
Unless you know your builder well I’d be reluctant to give him any money before he starts work. I’d try to make sure you don’t pay for anything until the entire job is completed to your satisfaction, but if you can’t get away with that, just pay in instalments. As far as the law is concerned you could stipulate time limits in a written contract, and if you were let down you could cancel the contract and demand compensation. However this may not amount to much unless you could show that the delay cost you money.