Contractor damaged Neighbours wall?

hollydays

First question to ask the electrician "why didn't you tell me?" Depending on his answer,you might guage any aggro you are going to have.

Anihilator

Samantha1985 wrote: »

So atm I am thinking to withhold enough hopefully cover cost of the repair although tbh I really dont know how much it will cost or if there is any major repairs needed - I always thought there were two walls and insulation between linked houses :eek:

I will asked about insurance details but I have a feeling he wont give me these as he gave a good price and its a friend of a builder relative who I have let manage the renovations to my house but I know he wanted a cash payment

You need to see what he says but legally you may have no right to withhold payment.

This is an insurance situation, not for you to withhold money.

DVardysShadow

Samantha1985 wrote: »

By this do you mean I am liable in full as opposed to the contractor?

Yes, you are liable in full to your neighbour as mikey72 says. However, you can then claim off the electrician. The legal term, if you want to research is 'vicarious liability' I think

Effectively neighbour has a choice of whom to pursue.

DVardysShadow

Anihilator wrote: »

You need to see what he says but legally you may have no right to withhold payment.

This is an insurance situation, not for you to withhold money.

Electrician is [probably] plainly liable for damage. It is only an insurance situation if OP or Electrician go to their respective insurers. [Whether neighbour pursues OP or electrician personally or via their own insurance is not relevant].

Once neighbour indicates the potential for a claim against either OP or electrician, OP should withhold payment at least until liability is settled - and OP has indemnity from electrician.

nb, there is a possibility that the wall could be defective - in which case it could be complicated to establish liability

BlueAngelCV

You need to speak to the electrician & ask him to provide you with his insurance details. Do not take no for an answer.
Obviously I've no idea what level of damage there is but it could easily end up being very costly.

I would also let your Insurers know about the situation too.