Builder gone out of business

paddyg77

I have recently had a new bathroom installed and the shower is now leaking behind the tiles causing damage to adjacent wall in bedroom and to ceiling below. As the leak is behind the tiling i cannot get to the pipes to fix the leak. The problem is that the builder who installed the bathroom has subsequently gone out of business.

The builder was a ltd. company and was a member of the Federation of Master Builders. Is there a way i can get this fixed under guarantee/insurance from FMB or administrators or will i have to use my own house insurance?

Any advice much appreciated!

Patrick

andrew-b

Contact FMB tomorrow and see what they say though i doubt they'll resolve it as quickly as you need it sorted. I can't see anything that says they will or won't help you on their website.
In the meantime you need to isolate the water supply to the shower before matters worsen and the ceiling below collapses. Turn off the mains stop valve if there are no other valves. If you have a gravity-fed hot supply (i.e not a combi boiler or other pressurised system) you may also need to isolate the water supply to the larger tank in the loft..if you don't know which valve or can't get into the loft then with the mains turned off run a hot tap elsewhere until it stops. I'd quickly fill some bottles, kettle and bath with cold water before you turn it all off.
Do you have emergency cover with your insurer?

paddyg77

Thanks for reply!

However, i wasn't really after the 'practical advice' as i know how to isolate etc.

I was more interested in my rights as a consumer and if i can get this fixed without having to do it myself or use my own insurance!! Surely the builder would have had insurance and is this then underwritten by FMB or administrator??

ormus

paddyg77 wrote: »

..........Surely the builder would have had insurance and is this then underwritten by FMB or administrator??

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Lifeisbutadream

paddyg77 wrote: »

Thanks for reply!

However, i wasn't really after the 'practical advice' as i know how to isolate etc.

I was more interested in my rights as a consumer and if i can get this fixed without having to do it myself or use my own insurance!! Surely the builder would have had insurance and is this then underwritten by FMB or administrator??

FMB basically just get references and then take a large amount of money from builders every year.

I probably shouldnt say that seeing as I am a member of the FMB

phill99

Do you know for definite if an admistrator has been appointed? Many smaller companies, when in financial difficulties simply cease trading through the limited company. If the company hasn't traded for three months it can be struck off the register of companies at companies house. In that case, an administrator isn't appointed.

27col

Lifeisbutadream wrote: »

FMB basically just get references and then take a large amount of money from builders every year.

I probably shouldnt say that seeing as I am a member of the FMB

If it wasn't for the annual fee that you pay they would run you out of town on a rail for being disloyal.

Dry_Rot

I've been an FMB member for over 20 years. The FMB is not a consumer protection group - it is a trade association. As a contractor I value it because for a small fee I get lots of benefits like free legal advice, health & safety law updates and a useful monthly magazine with more information in. Consumers shouln't use FMB membership as a main criterior for choosing a builder. Past reputation, recommendations and such, plus how they 'feel' when you meet them is far more important.

The FMB do have insurance available to cover member's work if it is defective or if the company ceases trading. However, that is only available to Master Bond members (an additional membership level) and you'd know if you had that because there is an extra fee for it.

I doubt you are covered though. Sorry.

vaio

Don't supposed you paid for any part of the work by credit card or other credit agreement?