The builder blames you — responding to the counter-attack
The short answer: blame ("you told us to", "your walls were wet", "you bought the materials") is the standard defence. It is answered with documents: the written scope, dated instructions, and the independent report. Never argue — annotate.
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-03
The four classic blame-shifts
1. "You changed the instructions" — the written quote/scope answers this; variations needed your written agreement (quote vs estimate). 2. "Pre-existing conditions" — surveyor's causation report settles it (do you need a surveyor); photos of the site before work (estate-agent listings, Street View) help. 3. "You supplied the materials" — delivery notes and who-specifiied-what correspondence. 4. "You denied access" — your dated access requests and their replies.
The discipline
Reply once, in writing, point by point, with document references — then stop arguing and issue the letter before action. At hearing, the judge compares documents, not volume.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Verified 2026-09-03.
Preparing a claim? EvidenceCanvas (Casewright) helps you organise your evidence and draft pre-action documents for the small claims track. It is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.
Reviewed by Sean McNamara · 2026-09-03 · Independent information directory — not legal advice.