Possible liability issue ? (David Wilson Homes)

Pontebantam

I'd be grateful if anyone out there could give me some pointers on the following situation:

Our property was built in 1998 by David Wilson Homes. Recently we had a Sky engineer out to fit a new satellite dish, whilst up on the roof he managed to dislodge some of the mortar used to fill the gaps between the lead flashing and the roof tiles. We made a complaint as the flashing had been damaged and another engineer promptly came out (ex builder) to look at repairing the damage. After staring the job he came down and explained to us that there was a potential problem with ours and next doors roof, in so much as the mix that had been used by the builders was neither use nor ornament and he could dislodge the entire lot with one finger. Seems that they had used far too much sand in the original mix and as such it hadn't bound to anything.

My obvious concern is that we have a problem waiting to happen sooner rather than later as since this discussion, we can see more of the mortar that has just come away from the roof tiles and is sitting in the ducting, waiting to slide down and land on either us or the car.

I would like to get David Wilson out to rectify this issue on the basis of the incorrect materials being used for the job when they were built. Of course before I go off and start discussions I need some idea of where I stand in terms of building regulations/the law/fit for purpose etc (I suspect Wilsons will have used subcontractors for the jobs)

All help appreciated!

Vinny

daveyjp

If not out of time your first port of call is NHBC. If out of time you will need to contact David Wilson Homes. You will also need to have a professional witness report prepared so you have something to back up your argument. This will tell you what mix should have been used and what actually was. This will also be useful should you wish to sue them for the cost of repointing.

It could be deliberate, could be innocent as diferent mixes are used for different parts of the construction.

thebaldwindowfitter

i think you will struggle with nhbc claim whether its within the ten years or not .sounds to me like no water proofer has been put in the mix had the same problem on our house 3 years into ownership .came off holidays at christmas to find 6 ridge tiles embedded in the lawn .luckly the builders came back and repointed the roof .It would cost you a lot of money for the various reports were as we had estimates to repoint all the ridges and valleys on our house at around £350

ormus

good luck with any NHBC claim.
successful nhbc claiments probably number fewer than, VC winners.