Dishonest Builder - avoid at all cost

Please avoid using the services of Mr Pieter du Plessis (ID number ***, 204 Glendower Place, Edenvale, Tel: ***, Cell: ***, Email: ***). He not only failed to complete the renovations for my mother's flat, but work that was supposed to have been completed had several structural defects. This resulted in significant cost and inconvenience to my mother. The details pertaining to her complaint are: 1. On or around 1 August 2015, she contracted with Mr du Plessis to complete the following renovations to my flat: a. Kitchen and Bathroom Quotation (dated 29 July 2015), totalling R54 800 b. Aluminium Window Quotation (dated 29 July 2015), totalling R74 275 2. An additional agreement was concluded on 29 July 2015 for the installation of cupboards in 2 bedrooms, electrical switches/ plugs and a basin in the spare bathroom totalling R30230 3. Total contract value equalled R159 305 4. Estimated date for completion was the end of September 2015 5. The estimated completion was important given that she was not residing in the flat at this time – therefore renovations could be completed with ease until November 2015, when she intended to move into the said flat 7. Accordingly, Mr du Plessis was provided with a spare set of keys to the flat in Park Avenue (including a remote for access to underground parking), which to date have not been returned 8. Payments made to Mr du Plessis amount to R156 987.50 9. On 9 November 2015, my mother moved to the flat. However the work had not been completed. The items outstanding included: a. Bathroom (my mother’s) door only locks from the outside – please check the mechanism b. Cracked window to be replaced c. Shower panel to be installed d. Windows need to be sealed e. Window certification yet to be provided f. Stove to be connected g. Front door to be varnished h. Mirror in cupboard to be installed i. Handles in main bedroom to be attached to windows 10. On 28 December 2015, I contacted Mr du Plessis telephonically and via email to advise that the aforementioned was yet to be completed 11. Mr du Plessis indicated that the work would be completed in the 1st or 2nd week of January 12. Mr du Plessis failed to complete the said outstanding work 13. My mother therefore have had to, at extra cost, hire additional contractors to complete the work listed in point 5 a. An additional R6 100 for completion of the aluminium windows b. Sealing of said windows at a cost of R6 000 c. Replacement of the front door lock and complex remote and purchase of an additional remote as Mr du Plessis had, as noted in point 7, not returned said items. Replacement cost was R600 d. Water damage due to the failure to properly seal the aluminium windows resulted in a further R 1080 paid to replace the wooden floors It is extremely disconcerting that Mr du Plessis has failed to live up to his end of the contract. My mother is a pensioner, who in good faith, entrusted Mr du Plessis to fulfil his obligations. Despite numerous attempts to contact Mr du Plessis, he has failed to return any calls. I hope to bring to the attention of the recipient of this complaint and to other interested parties that they should refrain at all costs from engaging the services of Mr du Plessis. I believe he should be sanctioned and prohibited from performing any form of renovations given the manner in which he has treated my mother. Regards Ebrahim Jadwat obo Mrs Zuleka Jadwat