When should tradespeople consider small claims court?

Consider court when the unpaid amount is between £200 and £10,000, you have documentation like quotes, contracts, photos, and messages, and the client is based in England or Wales.

Can I claim if I only had a verbal agreement?

Yes. Verbal agreements are legally binding for most trade work. You can use evidence of the work done, text messages, invoices, and partial payments received to prove the agreement existed.

What if the client claims my work was faulty?

You need evidence of satisfactory completion such as sign-off emails, photos of completed work, and inspection certificates. If the work met industry standards and building regulations, the court will consider this.

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Trades Disputes: Get Paid for Completed Work and Defend Unfair Complaints

No solicitors needed. Step-by-step guidance to recover what you're owed through UK small claims court. Built for plumbers, electricians, builders, and tradespeople facing payment disputes and unfair claims.

Check If Your Dispute Can Become a Claim View Detailed Guides

Claims £200 - £10,000England & WalesNo solicitor required

Common Trades Disputes We Help With

From unpaid work to unfair complaints, our guides cover the disputes you face.

Getting Paid

Client Won't Pay for Finished Work

Job completed to spec, but the client refuses to pay the final balance or claims they're 'not satisfied'.

Client Clawed Back Too Much

Customer demanded excessive refund or deducted unreasonable amounts from your invoice.

Quality Disputes

"Your Work Was Faulty" Defence

Counter false claims about workmanship quality when your work met standards.

Consumer Rights Challenges

When customers misuse consumer protection laws to avoid paying.

Building Issues

Defective Workmanship Claims

Defend against or pursue claims related to building work, extensions, and renovations.

Contract Problems

Job Cancelled After Starting

Client cancelled mid-project after you purchased materials or started work.

When to Consider Small Claims Court

Most disputes start as complaints or negotiations. Here's when it makes sense to consider court action.

Consider Court Action When:

The amount is £200 - £10,000 — below the small claims track limit
You have documentation — quotes, contracts, photos, messages, completion certificates
The client is in England or Wales — residential or commercial address

Quick Checklist Before Filing

Client based in England/Wales

Claim value under £10,000

Sent formal invoice/reminder

Ready to send Letter Before Action

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How CourtPilot Helps You

From documentation to court-ready documents in three steps.

Upload Your Dispute

Order confirmations, tracking data, messages, emails - upload everything and we extract the key facts.

AI Builds Your Case

Automatic Letter Before Action generation, particulars of claim drafting, and deadline tracking.

Court-Ready Documents

CPR-compliant bundles, indexed evidence, and witness statement templates ready for small claims court.

Evidence analysis for trade disputes

Letters Before Action for unpaid work

Court bundle generation with photos

AI-powered deadline tracking

Real Disputes, Real Outcomes

Examples of how others have recovered money through small claims court and pre-court negotiation.

£4,800

Kitchen Fitter: Final Payment Refused

Scenario: Completed kitchen installation. Client claimed "scratched worktop" to avoid final payment.

Evidence: Before/after photos, signed quote, completion certificate, WhatsApp messages approving work.

Outcome: Letter Before Action sent. Client paid in full within 10 days rather than face court.

£2,200

Electrician: "Faulty Wiring" Claim After Passing Inspection

Scenario: Full rewire completed. 6 months later, client claims wiring is dangerous and demands refund.

Evidence: EICR certificate, NAPIT registration, inspection report, photos of completed work.

Outcome: Court dismissed claim. Judge noted work passed inspection. Full payment upheld plus costs.

£3,100

Landscaper: Job Cancelled After Materials Purchased

Scenario: Client cancelled garden project 2 days before start. £3,100 of materials already ordered.

Evidence: Signed contract with cancellation terms, supplier invoices, delivery receipts.

Outcome: Mediation resulted in client paying 80% of material costs plus admin fee.

£1,850

Decorator: "Wrong Shade of Paint" Dispute

Scenario: Client approved colour samples, then claimed finished colour was "not what was agreed".

Evidence: Signed colour approval sheet, paint supplier records, text messages confirming choice.

Outcome: Default judgment obtained. Client did not respond to claim. Enforced via attachment of earnings.

£950

Plumber: Leak Blamed on Previous Work

Scenario: New leak appeared months after bathroom fit. Client blamed your work, demanded free repair.

Evidence: Photos showing leak location away from your work area, plumbing inspection report.

Outcome: Expert report confirmed leak unrelated. Claim withdrawn before hearing.

£150

When NOT to Claim: No Contract, Small Amount

Scenario: Verbal agreement for small job. No-show fee disputed. No written contract or terms.

Evidence: Text messages arranging appointment only. No terms agreed.

Advice: Advised NOT to pursue. Without written terms, proving cancellation fee entitlement is difficult.

These examples illustrate typical dispute scenarios. Every case is different and outcomes depend on evidence and circumstances.

Built for UK Small Claims

England & Wales Specific

Guidance tailored to UK small claims court procedures and rules.

CPR-Aligned Documents

Letters and bundles formatted to Civil Procedure Rules standards.

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Information Only - Not Legal Advice

CourtPilot provides tools and guidance to help you prepare your own small claims case. We are not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. For complex matters or if you are uncertain about your rights, please consult a qualified solicitor.

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Whether it's a client who won't pay, an unfair complaint, or a cancelled job, CourtPilot gives you the tools to recover what you're owed through UK small claims court.

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