Clumsy workmen left Margaret boiling mad
WE are always told to shop around before making any significant purchase.
That is exactly what Margaret Bentley did but despite her best planning she was still left boiling mad.
She had priced having a new boiler fitted at her Ellon home and decided to go with the deal offered by Scottish Hydro.
Margaret agreed a price of £4029 to cover the fitting of the new boiler plus a new shower and heated towel rails in the bathroom and WC, paying a deposit of £631.
She also had new taps which needed fitting and it was agreed this would be done at the same time.
The work began on July 15 and was completed the following day. But that was when Margaret’s trouble started.
Unfortunately, the workmen broke her new taps when attempting to fit them. She was assured this would be rectified — but wasn’t.
Next the boiler stopped working. It turned out a new part was needed in her gas box to make it compatible with the boiler.
Then on July 21Margaret went to use her washing machine but it was dead. On investigation she found that the wires were hanging out the back of it.
She also discovered a socket had been disconnected and assumed that the workmen had thought this was connected to where the water heater was — but it wasn’t!
Margaret contacted the workmen’s firm and was told to get someone local to repair the washing machine and they would pay the bill.
But she couldn’t get anyone as it was the trades’ fortnight and when she contacted the firm again they too were on holiday.
At the end of her tether, Margaret emailed Raw Deal telling us she just wanted everything put right.
We contacted Scottish Hydro and this was soon sorted.
A spokesperson told us: “We would firstly like to apologise for the inconvenience and upset caused to Ms Bentley due to damage caused to her taps and washing machine while work was being carried out by Scottish Hydro.
“Repairs have now been completed and a goodwill payment made due to the length of time it has taken to rectify this matter which has now been fully restored to Ms Bentley’s satisfaction.”
A clearly-chuffed Margaret said: “I am pleased to be able to say that this has now been resolved to my satisfaction — after three weeks of disruption.
“The washing machine has been repaired and Scottish Hydro gave me a substantial discount on the new boiler as well as a £50 cheque for the inconvenience.
“Thank you so much for your help and assistance. Raw Deal rocks!”