Damage to party wall

loumoo_3

Recently a timber / damp company carried out some damp proofing works on the house next door, causing some damage to the party wall. The houses are 2 bed victorian terraces, mine is open plan downstairs, with a barebrick wall one end and plasterboard the other.
The damage caused involved some of the mortar between the bricks coming out on the bare wall and the join in the plasterboards now sticking out the other end. I contacted the company who said they would come and repair the damage, they did but have not done a very good job of it, I am still not happy.
The boss came over on my request and have said they would repoint the bricks with the correct colour mortar and we did a deal that he would treat a patch of damp that I have and while they were there they would skim the damaged wall.
On receiving the quote, I feel it is too high, they have given me a 20% discount but it is still quoted at £300 to skim the wall that they damaged!
I also understand that the house owner (he doesnt live there) should have contacted me before the works started, which he didnt. I dont really understand how the party wall act works - could someone please explain?
I feel that its pretty unfair that I am now having to pay to put right something that wasnt anything to do with me. Was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this situation or any advice? Many thanks

Flyboy152

Damp coursing on a party wall? You might have to explain that a little further, or perhaps I have misunderstood.

Why was he asking you to pay for the repairs to the damage that he caused?

loumoo_3

Sorry I dont know exactly what they were doing, it was damp proofing and the damage is to the party wall. I assume vibrations from the works have caused the damage.

Its a bit complicated, as I had some damp that needed treating, I asked him to tie it in with this. His original offer was to just sand the join down again but he didnt think this would give a great finish. So we compromised that he would skim the wall at a discount as I would be getting this done at some point anyway.

loumoo_3

Anyone please?

Flyboy152

This appears to be a complexed issue, seeing as you want them to carry out further work to your property. The only solution I can think of is to get them to repair the damage and have the work dome at a later time. Or get quotations from other builders and see who is cheapest. If you find someone cheaper, get the first builder to pay for the damage they have done and add that towards the cost of the work you want done.