Contractor vs. contractor: taking a builder to a small-claims court

[barrydidit]

left a number of cute not-quite-holes in the ceiling below

Would these happen to correspond with the nails used to fix plasterboard to Sirs matchstick ceiling joists? My best advice would be not to buy a new build as this will happen a lot.

However, since we are where we are; scrape off the loose, fill, sand, redocorate, tell the Mrs if she can do better then fill her boots. Or, have it replastered. Your choice.

[I just need to test it]

Ultimately in small claims court it comes down to who the judge believes. So you’re a punter, he’s a builder. If you can convince the judge using photos / text messages then you could win.

Having said that, I’d discourage you from attempting it. The court system is geared up to make judges et al richer. It will cost you hundreds even to get to a courtroom. And it’s stressful, man, so so stressful. Avoid.