Very very dodgy builder

Terence Schwartz (Terry) is nothing but a dodgy construction worker. He goes by the name of Men at Work, Guru Contractors and SCL Decking. His telephone number is 072--970--5661 and the address he gave me is 24 Vinca Circle, East Rural, Kraaifontein, Cape Town.

On the 29th July I approached him for a quotation to construct a Pergola with shutters and cupboards, and having already got three quotes from other companies I chose to go with him as he sounded the most competent. We agreed on a 70% deposit to cover the materials and agreed that building would commence. That is when the troubles started. Four weeks after having paid over the deposit, I was still hounding him to build my Pergola (shutters and cupboards not even discussed). I threatened him with legal action and he promised faithfully to be on site the entire week to complete the project. I heard every excuse you can dream of for him not coming on site. I would phone him in the morning, make arrangements for him to be onsite at a specific time and he would not bother turning up. He would also not contact me to say why he was late. When I did get hold of him eventually later in the days to follow, he would have some "ready excuse". And believe me, he used everything from "I've been in an accident", "my workers have not turned up", "I have to take my daughter to doctor", "I have Flu", "I'm sourcing materials", .... on and on and on.

Eventually in the 5th week I told him to cancel the contract and refund my monies, he said he would do it immediately, but this also did not happen.

We are now sitting at the 8th week, with half a Pergola built and him sitting with our deposits. I received another message from him today saying he will refund me the deposit for the shutters and cupboards. I can assume this is another lie and will be taking legal action to recover my monies.

Then last weekend to put the nail in the coffin, he had previously brought some Balau wood onsite to do the trimming on the cupboards but it was warped so he decided to rather source Meranti. We had a braai at our place and one of my friends (he built a deck for them ...... using wood that my friend had supplied) noticed that the Balau wood was exactly the same as his as it was used previously from a deck and when he confronted Terry about the wood, Terry admitted that he had taken the wood. Terry only had to do the installation so the wood was not his to take.

He is a liar and a scam artist of note. He has taken advantage of me as a lady, and a pensioner and feels nothing. He is a horrible person. I have proof of everything said above.

Stay away from this man and his partner who is based in Southern Suburbs.