You hired a tradesperson to do a job, and they left you with damage — a scorched worktop, a flood from a botched pipe, a cracked floor, ruined paintwork, a damaged carpet. Now they're denying it, ignoring you, or pointing at a clause in their terms.
Whatever job they came to do, they had a duty not to damage your property. When they breach it, the cost of putting things right is recoverable.
Your Right: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 a tradesperson must carry out work with reasonable care and skill. Causing avoidable damage to your home breaches that duty (and is negligent), so you can claim the cost of repairing the damage — separately from any issue with the work itself.
Common Examples
- A fitter scorches or scratches a worktop, floor or surface
- A plumber's mistake causes a leak or flood
- A carpet or flooring fitter damages skirting, doors or the subfloor
- A decorator ruins fittings, carpets or furniture
- Any trade damages something while carrying their work in or out
Recover the cost of repairing the damage
JustClaim turns your situation into a properly drafted court claim and files it online. No solicitor, no jargon.
Start Your Claim NowHow to Claim: Step by Step
Document the damage now. Photograph everything and note the date the work was done and when the damage appeared.
Get a repair quote. A written quote (or report) from another trade showing the cost to fix the damage — recoverable if you win.
Send a letter before action. Set out the damage, the cost and a deadline to pay before issuing proceedings.
File your claim. If they refuse, file an N1 at the county court for the cost of repair, related losses, interest and the court fee.
What You Can Claim
- The cost of repairing or replacing what was damaged
- Related losses (for example temporary accommodation or cleaning)
- The cost of an independent report
- Interest and the court fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim if a tradesperson damaged my property?
Yes. A tradesperson must work with reasonable care and skill under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and must not damage your home in the process. If they cause damage — a flood, a scorched worktop, a cracked floor, ruined décor — you can recover the cost of putting it right in the small claims court.
What if they deny they caused the damage?
Evidence decides it. Photos before and after, the date the work was done, a quote or report from another trade attributing the damage to their work, and your messages all help. An independent assessment is strong proof and its cost is recoverable if you win.
Do I have to let them fix the damage first?
For defective work, the Consumer Rights Act usually gives the trader a chance to put it right first. For damage they caused to other parts of your property, you can ask them to pay for proper repairs; if they refuse or you don't trust them back in your home, you can recover the cost of having someone else do it.
Their insurance or terms say they're not liable — is that true?
Not necessarily. A term trying to exclude liability for damage they negligently cause is often unenforceable against a consumer. Don't be put off by a clause in their paperwork — the court decides whether it is fair and binding.
How much does it cost to claim?
Court fees start at £35 for claims up to £300 and rise with the amount claimed. The fee is added to your claim and recovered from the tradesperson if you win. No solicitor is needed for a small claim.