Nightmare story with builders - Help

bethel3

Can someone help me with advice.............pleeeeeeeease!

My story begins in Oct 2006 when after getting financial assistance from the local Council (like a grant but if you sell your property within 10yrs you repay the money), work began on my steps/access to my house. The remit was to make the steps easier for access. In Nov '06 when the steps had been completed, they were (and still remain) worse than they were before. I contacted council man who after seeing the work, contacted the builders to halt the remaining work. In Dec '06 the builders acknowledged the bad work and agreed to take them and re-do. In Jan '07, builder informed me he would still re-do job but there would be an extra charge of £2-3000. I said no to which he sent an invoice for payment. Because I refused to send invoice to Council for payment, for the next year I was threatened with being taken to court. This I actually wanted to happen, because I had by this time got a surveyer's report after a friend commented he didn't think the steps looked to be within building regs. The surveyer confirmed this alongside stating in report that one part of steps were actually dangerous.

The builders didn't take me to court, instead in Feb '08 they went out of business! Last summer I approached 3 other builders for quotes but prices have increased ++++. The orginal grant/aid approved was £6,800........the quotes received were for £12,500, £15,250 & £17,800.....can't afford these.

Last week I contacted my Insurance comp as I have 'Legal Expenses' within my home insurance. More misery.....I was told they couldn't give any help because the the sum was over £5,000. I questioned this thinking but I have cover up to £50,000. But would you know it......my problem doesn't fit in with one of their catagories (it's all in the small print) as I was told.

I contacted the Insurance because I have a question regarding the Council. I understand the contract was between myself and the builder, but as the Council check work etc, my thoughts are......if he had seen the steps were not in building regs when he visited in Nov '06, wouldn't he have had the power/authority to tell builders to redo the job (with no extra cost) and so I could have been spared the horrendous experience of the last couple of years? Therefore with the latter in mind, doesn't the Council have some responsibility in this situation?

What has made things worse and quite miserable......since Oct 2006 I have been housebound. Partly due to the steps but also due to surgery on my left leg in '06 (after years of sport abuse) went wrong. I had revision surgery in Aug '07 which also failed. Am now currently awaiting third attempt.

It's now Jan '09, I'm still housebound, builders gone out of business, I can't afford prices builders quoting today, and my Insurance company can't help me........what can I do??????

Any advice would be much welcome. Thanks.

mineallmine

Crikey, you've been through a lot. Usually I'd suggest writing to the council, or some sort of builders federation (to see if the original builders had some sort of guarantee or insurance), but in this case I'd suggest writing to your local MP. Or pop along to one of their surgeries if you're able to.

Seems like the council are trying to keep their nose out of it, when in reality they helped appoint the builders (if I'm correct).

Try your local MP to begin with. Best of luck.


PS: It may be useful to seek help in other forums such as the 'In my home/DIY' one here - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=39 or (if appropriate) 'Disability and Dosh' http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=155

Mummy_Jo

I know that this might seem I am telling you to spend more money but I seriously think that given the costs involved it would be worth it for you. Consider joining Which? Legal. Its about £10 - £12 a quarter. They have a team of lawyers who will be able to advise you on your problem. I have used them extensively in the past. Your situation sounds really complex and I think that you need some good advice!

http://www.whichlegalservice.co.uk/?gclid=CNn9rorn5pgCFQ0zQgodhhBwdw

You can just join for the time that your problem exists. They helped us pursue a claim through the small claim court and we were successful. They are really nice people... If you want to ask me anything else about them just PM me

Good luck - let us know how you get on with it all