House Flood

paulpaulpaul

We are just about to exchange on a new build and went today to visit the property,

We found that the upstairs toilet has been leaking for probably last 4 days, the water has spread all over 1 complete bedroom, into the landing, downstairs into the kitchen, dining room hall, Coving has fallen come down and the ceilings and walls are soaking.

Any builders on here have any advise, will it just be a case of allowing it to dry out and repainting ? I know watermarks can be very difficult to cover,

Urgent advise needed please.

NervousYetFeisty

I haven't a clue - but I'd have serious reservations about going through with the purchase and I'd expect the developer to bend over backwards to put things right/keep me happy. An older building might be a different story - just bad timing (these things happen) but with a new build - I'd question what else wasn't right.
Time to get feisty imo!

paulpaulpaul

They have said it will be fixed just not sure what they should do , is it reasonable for them to allow it to dry and redecorate or should they be taking down the plasteboards and fixing new boards and replaster etc,

Its all gone down the back on the new kitchen units too, should these all be taken off the wall ?

lynzpower

I echoe above poster where I would have serious and severe reservations about buying this property. At the very least, no one has noted this on site for 4 days.

This is shonky worksmanship that Ive noted first hand from a mate of mine who lives in a new build. ( couple of years old) their pipe went at Xmas flooding out thier carpets, and blowing the electrics. Try getting a plumber on Xmas eve! Not only that but the staircase was a quagmire and the below flat also had flooding through the ceiling, stuffing thier electrics. Basically, the plumber who came said that the pipe that delivers the water pressure was too high, and at one of the joins in the plumbing system between the flats was used an incorrect fitment, which meant it was only a matter of time before it blew. Exactly the same fitment blew in a flat a floor below only 2 weeks ago. The whole of the courtyard was flooded and the firebrigade were there.

What worries me about all these new builds, ( and I know im living in one) is how quickly they get thrown up. My snagging list had as many things wrong with it as when you buy a "old house" although in saying that you will/shuld have an NHBC gurantee, although my flooded mate didnt know what use it was to him, his insurers were the ones he called, and up go his premiums....

Phew bit of an essay there, but its something I feel so passionately about.

rev229

personally I would not exchange until everything is sorted

paulpaulpaul

Hi All thanks for your replies,

Its a very small development only 6 houses and I d oknow two of the other houses that have been living in for about 9 months, so far their houses seem OK.

But its true about the snagging list so many little things not finished !

With regard to the plumbing I agree it shouldnt have happened but somtimes these things do happen, really the water should not have been left on whilst nobody was there.

I am more concerned about the level of repair I should expect, I anticipate they will suggest letting it dry out, sealing the damp, cover stain paint and then repaint.

Maybe you could ask 100 builders and they would all agree that this is a fair way to proceed but I am worried that they wilo offer this and I will think they are trying to do the job on the cheap.

I am wondering if all the affected plaster board should be pulled down all the chipboard flooring pulled up and all replaced etc, however if this is not the correct procedure in this situation then they are never going to agree to it.

NervousYetFeisty

Perhaps you should post as well in the DIY forum? Although I'd hope it won't be DIY, iyswim!
I'd be worried that if they don't remove the kitchen cupboards, it could get mouldy behind them. Just a thought - I'm really no expert on this.

BobProperty

I'd want the chipboard floor replaced and the plasterboard replacing, plus skim, decorating etc. and any of the kitchen units that have been affected. Wet Chipboard is just a bit stronger than wet Wheetabix and it will "blow" badly when it starts to dry out (floors and kitchen units). Get them to replace anything that got wet or don't touch it. If they can't be bothered to fix that properly then that says something about their attitude, and I'd be worried about snags and guarantees.

And Lynz I have been out to customers on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

paulpaulpaul

Hi Bob,

Respectfull yours seems to be the most qualified reply a you must be a tradesman,

I met with the builders this am and then ensure me that all the chipbvoard flloring is now totally water resistant, wuoted be a BS number and advised that the flooring with the " green " tint is water resistant,

Apparently this is often laid on the first floor even before the roof goes on as it can withstand the weather,

For the wet walls and ceilings he claims that with the heating on high it will dry in a couple of days and can then be sealed, stain blocked and repainted and will all be as good as new !

I dont want to lose a house through just being unreasonable or standing by expectations that may be an ideal world but a little misplaced.

BobProperty

paulpaulpaul wrote:

Hi Bob,

Respectfull yours seems to be the most qualified reply a you must be a tradesman,

I met with the builders this am and then ensure me that all the chipbvoard flloring is now totally water resistant, wuoted be a BS number and advised that the flooring with the " green " tint is water resistant,

Apparently this is often laid on the first floor even before the roof goes on as it can withstand the weather,

For the wet walls and ceilings he claims that with the heating on high it will dry in a couple of days and can then be sealed, stain blocked and repainted and will all be as good as new !

I dont want to lose a house through just being unreasonable or standing by expectations that may be an ideal world but a little misplaced.

My coat is "water resistant" but I still got soaked this morning.
I've posted this question on another forum (http://www.trustedtradesmen.com/forum/default.asp) and will re-post here when I get an answer.

lynzpower

BobProperty wrote:

I'd want the chipboard floor replaced and the plasterboard replacing, plus skim, decorating etc. and any of the kitchen units that have been affected. Wet Chipboard is just a bit stronger than wet Wheetabix and it will "blow" badly when it starts to dry out (floors and kitchen units). Get them to replace anything that got wet or don't touch it. If they can't be bothered to fix that properly then that says something about their attitude, and I'd be worried about snags and guarantees.

And Lynz I have been out to customers on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

But I bet you dont charge London prices, just a thought from personal experience!! :cool: