Damp/dry rot

hardtimes

Hi

I have a flat in a block of 8 others.The block was renovated 3-4 years ago.The building has damp and dry rot problems.Does anyone know if the architect who signed the building off or building control can be liable here as it would appear building regs.were not adhered to.

Thanks

hardtimes

Hi

It is a house converted and it is not in Scotland

dexters_mum_2

Hi,
Do you live in a freehold or a leasehold flat and do you own the property?
DM

hardtimes

Hi
The flat is leasehold and I own the flat

Doozergirl

Oh my goodness. It hink you need to talk to your buildings insurance provider. I don't think many policies cover dry rot but they may at least be able to point you in the right direction.

Was there any damp proofing or rot treatment carried out in the first place? If there was then it should be covered by a guarantee. Building Control would only have signed off if treatment had actually been carried out and so I suppose that means that they are either not liable or you have someone else to blame.

Otherwise, did anyone have a comprehensive survey carried out? There might be a small chance that those people could claim through their surveyor's insurance policy.

I'd be shocked if no-one, in the process of buying the property, questioned the presence of proof of the work and guarantees. It is something that a surveyor and decent solicitors will ask for.

I feel for you as dry rot especially is an absolute biyatch to find and shift and it causes enromous upheaval. Fine if you're expecting it but in what you think is a brand new home? Shocking.

chant1l

Dry rot can be cured by expensive, dirty and long winded work, or it can be completely covered up in a neat looking bodge job which only surveyors with x-ray eyes can see. Consequently most surveys are covered in caveats (get out clauses) which basically say if I can't see it/ get to it I can't be held responsible for it......Every survey I have ever read excludes damp and timbers sub floor and recommends a specialist survey. Should you ever decide to get a damp specialist in they will almost always require work (try asking a double glazing salesman if you need new windows...)
If the signs were there however, you will have to prove it was evident and he missed it...not easy.

clutton_2

which building regs were not adhered to ?