Conservatory sinking

Snuggy

I had a conservatory installed 6 years ago by a local double-glazing firm (it came with a 10 year guarantee). During the last two or three months, one side of the base brickwork has started sinking into the ground - it's at least one course of bricks lower than it should be at the worst points and there's a clear separation between the main body of the conservatory and the brickwork.

The glazing firm have been out to see the problem and they in turn called out the builder to whom they sub-contracted all the base work. He promised to return within a week to shore up the main conservatory and begin work on removing the affected base walls ready to redo the footings and then rebuild the walls.

That was three weeks ago and all further attempts to find out what's happening haven't got me very far. I've got a feeling this is going to turn ugly so I'm trying to find out what my rights are and who is culpable.

As I said, the base work was sub-contracted by the glazing firm; I had to pay separately for it, directly to the builder. Does this mean my contract is with the builder (heaven help me), or can I still "go after" the glazing firm?

Any advice on how I should proceed if I continue to hit a brick wall (no pun intended) while trying to get this sorted?

Thanks,
Snuggy.

SailorSam

I think you'll find if you paid the builder you're contact is with him.
When we bought double glazing it came with a 10yr guarantee, we had problems and the company pointed out in the contract that they did not fit it themselves.
The fitter said it wasn't his fault but a problem with the units.
In the end both firms went bust, and no doubt started up the following week under different names.
Luckier enough it was only a minor fault that we had.

dacouch

You will probably have free legal advice with your Home Insurance for the price of a normal phone call, it might be worth giving them a ring for some advice

Snuggy

Thanks for the replies and advice so far.

The glazing firm got back to me today, having made successful contact with the builder at last. Apparently, "he will come to sort the problem out when he gets a chance because he's got a lot on right now and he's very busy". That doesn't exactly fill me with confidence that this can get sorted quickly (and it needs to be sooner rather than later as the problem is getting worse).

Snuggy.

neilmcl

A busy builder is a good sign, I'd worry more about ones who are available straight away. However you should insist that he comes out to at least make it safe in the meantime.

oldagetraveller

neilmcl wrote: »

A busy builder is a good sign, .

Or a "fob off"