Forum Topic

Bathfit - www.bathfit.co.uk

My 97 year old mother will have a rotten Christmas because of these clowns.  They took £950 deposit for “materials”, pulled up a lot of floorboards, and then abandoned the project.  Don’t be deceived by their charm and guile.  Their quotations lack name and address, they don’t publish an address at all (check their website), so recovering our money is going to be a nightmare.

Robert Shaw ● 5985d28 Comments

Jacek must have it - he should provide you with all the necessary info.He ought to sort out the refund and recoup his outlay from his trusty "team" !!If you need a value put on the materials they left and any works carried out, let me know?Regards,Ian.

Ian Silver ● 5980d

Thanks for the advice, especially about county court.  I have addresses for two of them, but not Marcin.  Does anyone else reading this have an address for Marcin?

Robert Shaw ● 5980d

The police response doesn't surprise me but it still sounds as if you were deliberately fleeced.Do you have the address of M&M or J&M, whatever they're called? Next step would be to send recorded delivery letters to all 3 of them holding them jointly and severally liable.Give them 7 days to respond with the promise that you will start a county court action if they fail to sort it out properly.A CCJ will help spoil their credit ratings if nothing else.

Ian Silver ● 5980d

We did speak with the police but they were not exactly encouraging.  However we didn't mention the missing items, and maybe that is the most relevant way to involve them. What do you think?

Robert Shaw ● 5980d

I'd be rather inclined to report this to the police.

Ian Silver ● 5980d

We paid cash and got a handwritten receipt.  They told us the advance payment was to cover materials. However at the time they abandoned the job, all that was delivered was a few bits of wood, perhaps worth a few pounds but certainly not £950.  We supplied the bath and also items such as thermostats, some of which were missing after they came to collect their tools.

Robert Shaw ● 5980d

If he said he had a team and Marcin/Marek came with him to site AND then he measured up, he has obviously assumed a role in all this, though he is now denying any responsibility. I think it fair on that basis for you to have understood that they were jointly involved.He may have thought he could "sub out" the work and gain some form of commission on the overall works.He would certainly appear to be implicated (implied terms of contract). On another note, how did you pay? Cash? And what had they completed or supplied prior to a request being made for £950, which is a serious amount of money?

Ian Silver ● 5980d

We contacted Bathfit initially, Jacek from Bathfit came to our house.  He said he personally couldn't do the work till March but he had a team who could do the work before Christmas.  We assumed they were either his employees or subcontractors.  Jacek then returned with two Polish guys (Marek and Marcin) and Jacek did a site survey, he looked at the drains and he did some measurements, while Marek and Marcin spoke with him in Polish.

Robert Shaw ● 5980d

Robert, who did you contact initially about getting the work done? and who responded?

Ian Silver ● 5980d

Thanks, I see the post.  However, JM Improvements is not mentioned, it only mentions Marcin and Marek (M&M).  I think the explanation is this situation is that Jacek subcontracted the work to M&M - he came to our property a second time with M&M who he presented as "my team" and he measured up and examined the drain and other parts of the site.  Had he merely been making a recommendation, why would he measure up?  He also allowed M&M to sign for money using JM Improvements (which is registered in Jacek's name); he drove them to and from our site on at least 3 occasions.  It is also interesting that Marcin grumbled on several occasions that he wasn't being paid enough; that would make sense only if he were the subcontractor.  It is entirely possible that once Marcin collected the £950 and signed for it as JM Improvements, he did not give Jacek a cut, and triggered this whole dispute.

Robert Shaw ● 5980d

on my screen it will be 8 places above this post.  It was posted yesterday 16/12 at 22,,15 and is placed between a posting from you and Ian Silver.  Hope it clarifies things for you.

Bernadette Paul ● 5980d

Bernadette, please would you point me at Jacek's post about his relationship with JM Improvements as I have not seen it.

Robert Shaw ● 5980d

Did you read his posting of yesterdau.  It seems to quite clearly state his involvement.

Bernadette Paul ● 5980d

Thanks for the offer, but it isn't just floorboards it's hole in wall, pipes sticking out of floor, central heating pulled apart.  If you do have any influence over Jacek, perhaps you can get him to explain his involvement with JM Improvements. My understanding is that it is Jacek's other trading name - if not, I'd like to hear Jacek's explanation.

Robert Shaw ● 5980d

Jacek, if you decide you don't want to do a job anymore you don't take the money and leave the room trashed. You either take your wage and leave the room in a safe and accessable condition (that usually requires floorboards...) or you refund the money so the clients can get someone else to come in sharpish and finish the job.As you've represented yourself as being associated with these two men you've now put yourself in a position where the clients need their money back and the people you introduced to them as reliable workers have disappeared off the radar. I suggest (as Ian said) you refund the money out of your own pocket and then get your friends to reimburse you (I'm sure you probably won't have as much trouble contacting them as Mr Shaw appeared to.) Robert, does your mum need someone to come over and nail the floorboards back down while she's waiting for someone else to come in and finish the job? We haven't got much work on over the weekend, I don't mind coming over and putting them back down for the price of a good cup of tea :)

Stephanie Kitsune ● 5980d

I don't think that's true at all.  If he introduced M & M and M & M quoted the Shaw's contract is with M & M and in any event none of us know why M & M withdrew from the job.  It's not just builders who are cowboys there are plenty of cowboy customers as well.  They have presumably done some work even if they have left the place in a state, presumably stripping out of some sort or preparation or whatever and they may feel the money paid to them covers what they have done.  None of us know the truth of this situation and I think it's time to knock it on the head on a public forum.  If Mr Shaw is right in everything he says he should take it to the small claims court to justify and recover his losses.  It's not something that can be sorted out on here or Chiswick, Ealing or anywhere else.  I have absolutely no connection with Jacek, don't know him and have never had any work done by him but it seems from many other postings thatb those that have had work done by him are pleased.  I haven't seen one bad comment so I think enough has been said in trying to discredit him.

Bernadette Paul ● 5981d

To Jacek,If you went there initially as described then you are liable for their losses.Pay them back and you get the money backj from your "TEAM".Sorted.

Ian Silver ● 5981d

Since briefly explaining the salient points of this situation on the forum earlier in the week, more speculative comments and misinformation has entered into the area.I am therefore pleased to clarify the following :I started working with Marek in 2002 and in 2004, my wife and I went back to Poland (to give birth to our first child) at which point I sold my half of the business interest to Marek’s friend Marcin (who I did not previously know) – they retained the website, as it was useful for the ongoing business (my name was not taken down and since I was leaving the country it did not occur to me). When I returned in 2005 to the UK I set-up my own name of Bathfit and worked independently of Marek and Marcin. That precisely explains my business relationship with M&M.In respect to my commercial dealings with Mr Shaw I did not, repeat did not quote, invoice, receive monies (or similar) in any way, in respect to the business, on behalf of Mr Shaw. Having originally visited Mr Shaws home and understanding his requirements, I believed it would assist both parties if I returned to explain to M&M what the Shaws requirements were. At which point I left both parties to arrange all commercial matters themselvesIn suggesting that M&M may be able to assist the Shaws – I was simply trying to offer assistance – to a potential client who, wished to achieve significant works within a very short time frame :IE before Xmas.At the time that M&M withdrew their labour Marek called and asked me to come to the property and observe from the street (he wanted to insure there would be no misunderstanding or problems in respect to the equipment that Marek took with him from the property).Because the Shaws were frustrated at the outcome of their arrangement, my wife and I were sympathetic and offered to assist if/where practical. Finally, I do wonder why the Shaws believe M&M withdrew their labour particularly in this present prevailing economic climate (and so close to Christmas)Your sincerelyJacek Kosikowski

Jacek Kosikowski ● 5981d

Post removed at author's request

Robert Shaw ● 5982d

Post removed at author's request

Robert Shaw ● 5982d

Dear Jacek,After reading your statement I am so sorry to hear how you became 'Piggy in the middle'.  You come over as a very honourable gentleman and I sincerely hope this does not effect your company which has such a good reputation and excellent testimonals.Happy Christmas...Fran Naughton

Fran Naughton ● 5982d

This is a statement of reply to an article written by Robert Shaw and recently published by Chiswick W4.I, Jacek Kosikowski am the owner of Bathfit, and in recent weeks I and my family have been shocked by incorrect information that has appeared on this important local forum.Approximately two weeks ago I was contacted by Mr & Mrs Shaw to arrange an estimate for works to be carried out in their home.Upon meeting the Shaws and understanding their requirements (to include some interior construction, bath fitting/plumbing etc), I apologised that I would be unable to undertake the work, as I could not complete the work before Christmas.To be helpful, I suggested two individuals -Marek & Marcin (M&M) who could possibly do the work for them, who it was agreed upon would visit/estimate the property within a few days.It was clearly understood that these people are not employed by my company Bathfit. They met with the Shaws and I understand a price was agreed and works were commenced, for which I believe an initial sum (circa £950) was paid to the alternative workmen.After some days it was my understanding that the Shaws and M&M were having difficulty working together as a result of which they parted company.Although M&M and the Shaws have both indicated to me individually how the deterioration in their working relationship occurred, since I was not in attendance at these meetings it would be unfair on the Shaws and M&M for me to make assumptions.To recap – I never contracted to do the work, I never received any monies (directly, or indirectly). Since the problems occurred I have visited the Shaw’s home to offer my assistance, purely from a concerned and sympathetic point of view.I thank the Chiswick W4  forum for giving me the opportunity to respond to earlier inaccurate comments regarding my & my company’s involvement in this unfortunate circumstance.Finally I much appreciate those who have used this forum to support my business and who have most recently offered me their support in this matter.Since I have undoubtedly benefited from this forum in my previous business dealings/introductions, I will continue to support & encourage active responses to this forum, from anyone including Mr Shaw and others, but would request that all future comments remain as accurate as possible.

Jacek Kosikowski ● 5983d

I'm slightly confused with all the postings on every community website that with the awful problems as no work was done, no materials brought that the deposit of £950.00p was not refunded straight away with indeed compensaption....

Fran Naughton ● 5983d

Jacek has done any amount of satisfactory bathroom fittings for people in West London, all of whom recommend him highly. He's been resident in Hanwell for many years and owns his house there, so will not be 'on the first flight to Warsaw'. You might like to look at his own response today on the W4 website which makes it clear that he told Mr Shaw that he was too busy to do the job and suggested two other people who are the ones actually responsible for any problems.

Susan Kelly ● 5983d

I don't think Police will touch it but trading standards should.My bet is that Mr Kosikowski will be on the first Warsaw bound flight out of Heathrow when his upset clients (your mother surely wont be on her own) catch up with him.My advise would be to put pressure on the bathstore if the materials were purchased through them and it was they who recommended bathfit.PS: I've got a brilliant bath fitter just finishing replacing my whole bathroom (photos on request)excellent job, good price and bloody nice bloke. I'll be happy to provide his number should you need.

Harley Buckner ● 5983d

I emailed them and asked for their address and got it by return........see below.Hi Ian, My address is 19 Townholm Crescent, W7 2LY, Hanwell, London Regards Jacek Kosikowskiwww.bathfit.co.uk07932 658515 From: Ian Silver Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2009 9:32 PMTo: 'Jacek Kosikowski' Subject: RE: Bathroom fittingHiya,Can you give me your business address please?Thanks.Ian

Ian Silver ● 5983d

Wow, result! That address wasn't up there when this post was written, wonder why it's suddenly popped up. Hmm, curiouser and curiouser..

Stephanie Kitsune ● 5984d

The site gives the following telephone numbers:020 8566 488907932 658515...and the address:16 Townholm Crescent London W7 2LYJL

Jim Linwood ● 5984d

That's terrible Robert.Just been onto their web site and none of the links work for the contact details, gallery etc.  There's not even a telephone number.  How did your mum contact them?  Have you thought about reporting this to the police?  They might have the way of tracking them down through investigating who their internet provider/hosters are as you have to give an address to register?I just did a quick search for them on Companies House and they are not registered there as a limited company either.Hope you manage to get your money back.Good luck,Fran

Fran Naughton ● 5984d

apparently they're the approved fitters of 'bathstore.com', just had a look at the bathstore website and the nearest one to you is in Richmond. I bet they would know who your cowboys are. I'm trying to find an address to go with the phone number for you but it might take a bit of time.Have you got somebody to sort your mum's floor out and put it back together until you start work on it again?

Stephanie Kitsune ● 5985d