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How to complain about Home Builder??
bert666
Posts: 22 Forumite
Hi Guys,
Apologies if this in the wrong place and if it is, could someone please point me in the general area of where would be best to ask this question? Thanks!
Anyway- we bought our house back in 2005 (it is a conversion of an old hospital block, a grade 2 listed building) so the developers have kept the original design of the windows and doors. Right from the outset we have had no end of problems with them leaking and rattling. Our front door leaked so much that we have had to replace the carpet because it was starting to rot!
Initially the builders were still on-site so they would come out and scratch their heads and try different things (none of which worked may I add?) However, the problem has steadily gotten worse over time. We have spoken to the Director of the building company who sent out an assessor and we were told that the assessment would take 6 weeks to come back.... that was back in March and we have heard zilch!
Basically- where do I go from here? I've just spoken to Zurich (the new homes insurance division) to get a claim form but I have a feeling that windows and doors aren't covered by them.
I have tried speaking to the director of the company continuously but he always seems to be in meetings (hmm!) I know the time has come to seek legal advice, but where from exactly???? Is this a conveyancing problem or a civil matter.... Sorry if I sound daft but I really, truly am pulling my hair out at the moment. My husband is away for 6 months and I have a new baby so I really don't want to head towards another winter of howling winds and damp floors with a baby in the house!
Apologies if this in the wrong place and if it is, could someone please point me in the general area of where would be best to ask this question? Thanks!
Anyway- we bought our house back in 2005 (it is a conversion of an old hospital block, a grade 2 listed building) so the developers have kept the original design of the windows and doors. Right from the outset we have had no end of problems with them leaking and rattling. Our front door leaked so much that we have had to replace the carpet because it was starting to rot!
Initially the builders were still on-site so they would come out and scratch their heads and try different things (none of which worked may I add?) However, the problem has steadily gotten worse over time. We have spoken to the Director of the building company who sent out an assessor and we were told that the assessment would take 6 weeks to come back.... that was back in March and we have heard zilch!
Basically- where do I go from here? I've just spoken to Zurich (the new homes insurance division) to get a claim form but I have a feeling that windows and doors aren't covered by them.
I have tried speaking to the director of the company continuously but he always seems to be in meetings (hmm!) I know the time has come to seek legal advice, but where from exactly???? Is this a conveyancing problem or a civil matter.... Sorry if I sound daft but I really, truly am pulling my hair out at the moment. My husband is away for 6 months and I have a new baby so I really don't want to head towards another winter of howling winds and damp floors with a baby in the house!
0
Comments
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Caveat Emptor applies."You were only supposed to blow the bl**dy doors off!!"0
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A solicitor specialising in construction disputes could be the way forward. I wouldn't think it is a conveyancing problem by this time, but if you used a solicitor to do the conveyancing, they might be able to advise, or direct you to someone who can help.
If you can describe the problem in a way that makes the house unfit for human habitation, the Defective Premises Act could be your friend...0 -
Thankyou guys for replying! We did use a solicitor initially but unfortunately she has since passed away. I will definitely look for a solicitor in the construction area.
Maninthestreet- I wouldn't have thought caveat emptor would apply here- if that was the case then no builders would ever be liable for their !!!!-ups after the exchange of contract, and therefore there would be no 'snagging' forms to complete and they could just do ridiculously shoddy work that would never be looked at till after completion!0
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