Conservatory falling down... again ! help!

Green2

I'm at a loss what to do because our conservatory is falling down for the 2nd time in 4 years.
4 years ago, we bought our house with the conservatory already in place. Within a few weeks of moving in it became apparent that it was coming away from the house (the brick walls wobbled, big cracks etc.) Our surveyor admitted he'd "had a bad day" and had missed the obvious signs, so made a small settlement with us. The conservatory company came back out knocked the whole thing down and rebuilt foundations etc (they blamed the dry summer & a big tree in our garden). Since then, we've had leaks when it rain, more cracks which the company have filled with flexible mastic. on their last visit, their rep said if there were further problems they would have an independent surveyor round, and it would probably be knocked down & they would refund us the original payment.
Well, it's falling down again - leaks, cracks, patio doors handles are now inches apart! We've been calling the company for 2 weeks now, and they won't phone back. what can I do ??
I am getting desperate and losing sleep over this. I'm worried our furniture will be damaged by the leaks. please can anyone advise on my next step ? should I get a solicitor involved ? or trading standards ? or my own independent surveyor ??? thanks in advance.

rsykes2000

Green2 wrote: »

I'm worried our furniture will be damaged by the leaks. please can anyone advise on my next step ? should I get a solicitor involved ? or trading standards ? or my own independent surveyor ??? thanks in advance.

Move your furniture out of there. Keep contacting them, go to the top of the company and send them details (I assume you have things in writing ?) of what you have been told.

Green2

Thanks for the advice. I will write to them and send the letter & copies of documents recorded delivery. I can't really move the furniture as there's nowhere else for it to go.
I did wonder whether it was worth contacting our insurance company about the subsidence. Does anyone have any experience of this ?
Thanks again.

jrexgis

always backup every move you make with documents to make it safe on your side good luck to you

pulliptears

Take lots and lots (and I mean LOTS) of photos of every crack and gap.

Green2

Thanks PT. I have done this, with a ruler & 2p coin for scale. I finally got through to one of the directors on the phone last night, by telling the secretary it was a personal call! Basically, he says he has written to the original builder (who built the base TWICE!)
Apparently he thinks the base should have been built on piles - according to my notes it was built on piles the second time. Apparently when he said Piles this time, he actually meant by a professional piling company (?)
So, now I have to wait to see what the builder does the 3rd time. tbh, I'm sick of the whole thing. it took them 4 months to rebuild it last time and they wrecked my garden, fencing and drive - which has been costly to put right. I'm dreading a repeat performance, and another 4 years 'watchful waiting' until the cracks appear again.

pulliptears

Green2 wrote: »

Thanks PT. I have done this, with a ruler & 2p coin for scale. I finally got through to one of the directors on the phone last night, by telling the secretary it was a personal call! Basically, he says he has written to the original builder (who built the base TWICE!)
Apparently he thinks the base should have been built on piles - according to my notes it was built on piles the second time. Apparently when he said Piles this time, he actually meant by a professional piling company (?)
So, now I have to wait to see what the builder does the 3rd time. tbh, I'm sick of the whole thing. it took them 4 months to rebuild it last time and they wrecked my garden, fencing and drive - which has been costly to put right. I'm dreading a repeat performance, and another 4 years 'watchful waiting' until the cracks appear again.

My knowledge of piling stretches to overhearing OH's conversations Are you on red ash, marshland then?

Green2

we are near quite a marshy beck, but I think the culprit is the +300year old oak tree in our garden. I suspect the site wasn't surveyed when the previous house owners had the conservatory installed. and incorrect foundations have been used for the conservatory. Am just not convinced that the same cowboys can rebuild it correctly on their 3rd attempt. enough is enough. knock the thing down!