You probably didn't realise this is exactly what the small claims court was built for.
ClaimOn shows you how to claim what's yours back — no solicitor needed.
Free to use · No solicitor needed · Step-by-step support all the way through
We help you put together a Letter Before Action — a formal written request that puts them on notice. Most disputes settle at this point, before you ever see a court.
If the letter is ignored, we walk you through filing on the government's online portal (MCOL) or by paper form, with your details pre-filled where possible.
If the court rules in your favour, we cover the four enforcement options that get you paid — bailiffs, attachment of earnings, third party debt orders, and charging orders.
ClaimOn is designed for exactly the situations homeowners run into with tradespeople.
"He took the deposit and disappeared."
Hundreds or thousands paid up front, no work done, no replies to your messages.
"The work isn't finished, and he's stopped showing up."
A half-built kitchen, an uncompleted extension, a roof he was meant to come back and finish.
"What he did has had to be redone by someone else."
You've paid twice — once to him, once to put right what he got wrong.
"He charged for materials that weren't used."
An itemised invoice that doesn't match what's actually on site, or quotes you can prove were inflated.
If a builder has taken your money and either didn't finish the work or didn't do it to the standard you agreed, you can usually claim:
For most builder disputes the small claims track covers anything up to £10,000. Above that, the case goes onto the fast track or multi-track instead — the process is similar but more involved. ClaimOn's eligibility check tells you in two minutes which track applies to you.
ClaimOn walks you through every step of the process, from your first formal letter through to enforcing the judgment.