Ripped off By Builder

Happytogetdebtfree

I think having photos letters you have a good case but im no legal expert keep positive

jonni3000

JJ,

Just in case you need assistance with the technical side of the building work, I am more than happy to get stuck in. I am a qualified Building Surveyor who used to work in a city centre practice. I've worked on schools, art galleries, designed 7 storey offices buildings in conservation areas, design & built houses, refurbished industrial units, etc, etc.

Whilst is is probably difficult at a distance, but I can try and help in any way I can.

Unfortunately, what has happened to you is not uncommon - anybody can say they are a builder, and there are plenty out there masquerading as such. There are many helpful people on here, and it does renew your faith in humanity.

Do you know where you are at with the Building Regs? It may be useful to get the inspector out (I presume it was Local Authority, but for future reference you don't have to use Local Authority - I never do) prior to commencing additional works. You don't want to do a pile of works that has to be removed to expose building elements that require checking by the inspector.

Also, did the previous builder provide calculations for any RSJ's or beams that he installed? They will be required by Building Control. This may have already been done and the inspector may be happy, but I wouldn't want you to get a nice plaster finish only for it to come off at a later date (as is happening to a current client of mine)

Just shout if you need help!


J.

lisawaters

Hey Jonni - good to see you again.

Mike

jonni3000

Thanks Mike... good to see that you're making progress!

I've been away dealing with my own Planning Permission battles :mad: :mad::mad::mad: Honestly, you would think in this current climate you would get encouragement with business startups, particularly as construction is on its backside!



J.

JohnnyJet

jonni3000 wrote: »

JJ,

Just in case you need assistance with the technical side of the building work, I am more than happy to get stuck in. I am a qualified Building Surveyor who used to work in a city centre practice. I've worked on schools, art galleries, designed 7 storey offices buildings in conservation areas, design & built houses, refurbished industrial units, etc, etc.

Whilst is is probably difficult at a distance, but I can try and help in any way I can.

Unfortunately, what has happened to you is not uncommon - anybody can say they are a builder, and there are plenty out there masquerading as such. There are many helpful people on here, and it does renew your faith in humanity.

Do you know where you are at with the Building Regs? It may be useful to get the inspector out (I presume it was Local Authority, but for future reference you don't have to use Local Authority - I never do) prior to commencing additional works. You don't want to do a pile of works that has to be removed to expose building elements that require checking by the inspector.

Also, did the previous builder provide calculations for any RSJ's or beams that he installed? They will be required by Building Control. This may have already been done and the inspector may be happy, but I wouldn't want you to get a nice plaster finish only for it to come off at a later date (as is happening to a current client of mine)

Just shout if you need help!


J.

Thanks Jonni, we did have calculations provided but part of the problem is that the builder didn't follow all of them so most of the roof had to be removed. He used thinner joists than specified.

Building control signed some of the faulty work off early on in the build, had we known about the problems at that stage we certainly wouldn't have made any more payments until they were rectified.

JohnnyJet

With all the sorting out over the last few weeks I forgot to mention that I had a TV crew come and film the house last week. This won't solve all the problems but at least I feel we have a voice at last.

Happytogetdebtfree

JJ thats great when will it be aired ??

SouthernBellE*

JohnnyJet wrote: »

With all the sorting out over the last few weeks I forgot to mention that I had a TV crew come and film the house last week. This won't solve all the problems but at least I feel we have a voice at last.

:TBrilliant news JJ

Is this for the news or is it a TV show that will also offer some help in getting any rooms done for you?

SouthernBellE*

JohnnyJet wrote: »

My biggest worry is for the future, for over 10 years we have been saving to be able to afford a nice house in a nice location. We have gone without lavish holidays, not bought expensive TV's and electrical goods all so that my wife and children can have a better way of living. It was my plan to reduce my work hours so that when my wife's condition deteriorates I will be able to give her more of my time. Now I face having to get a second job, probably working way past retirement age and my wife is looking to return to work. She is not physically able to do a full time job but she wants to help out. On top of this we have a probable court case to deal with and I have absolutely no idea where to start with that.
Our debt is getting worryingly high because I am having to borrow so much to make the house habitable. All because I made one silly mistake. I dread collecting the post as I am fed up with getting nasty letters from the old builder.

It's totally wrong, I'm angry for you!

Would it be worth considering posting up your SOA? There's some very clever & supportive people that would help with this. Have you also looked into the council tax banding or getting any discounts as no-one can yet live there. Any PPI that was mis sold on any of your loans?
Niddy has an unenforcability thread that might also be worth looking at..(sorry, I don't understand it myself!:o)

Your situation is quite different to Mike's as in your builder was very much a cowboy. I know trading standards are able to prosecute if you have any evidence of him doing anything illegal, is he REALLY a qualified builder? Sounds as though he put you and your families life in danger with the roof! I wish I knew where you'd stand legally with naming the !!!!!!, who knows if he's already moved onto the next family, totally wrong! :mad:

If the letters he's sending you are threatening in any way, take them to the police ASAP!

Still looking for the right answers hun, firing blanks so far! Something will turn up, it has to! Lots of us looking.

Hang in there mate, you're doing great, it's the law that's letting you down!

donny-gal

J-J

Many Freecycle sites only allow you to place one "wanted" post per month, this is where you ask if anyone has anything. I would word a post which states simply your predicament, as in, "We have been ripped off by cowboy builder and need building materials to try to make our home habitable again. In particular at the moment we need, Plasterboard, a Chimney pot for use with a wood burner, Wood for door lining, Coving, Skirting boards, White, or light coloured emulsion and gloss paint, but anything considered. I will endeavour to collect to suit you, around working. Thank you for reading" Politeneess goes a long way on the Freecycle route, especially when responding to an "offered" add.

However, if you talk to the plasterer, they often can do the walls and ceilings to ensure that coving is not needed, as least not immediately. We have just had our lounge done like this and it looks good. I picked up some Johnson's Emulsion (you cannot put vinyl or silk on new plaster) from B & M at really low price for a 5 litre tin in either Brilliant White or Magnolia. If we were anywhere near you, or even in the country atm, there is plenty of paint in our garage my DH would love to clear out!

Good Luck - DG