Botched loft conversion

Loftus_2

I'm in the middle of a loft conversion and we've had problems with the building firm at every stage. The plasterer has just finished and we've realised that the walls aren't straight, the windows are wonky and the floor isn't fixed properly. The MD of the firm admitted they'd done a rush job, but the action they are taking is cosmetic and I fear there may be underlying structural problems. Trouble is that we've paid 80% of the money up front. I need to find a way through this. Has anyone had a similar experience?

iamcornholio

Get an independent surveyor to report on the work and whether it meets applicable standards

Loftus_2

Thanks Iamcornholio that's a good idea. We already have a Building Control company involved - would they do it or is it best to have someone independent? The Building Control firm stipulated by the Loft company.

iamcornholio

Building control are only checking compliance with certain statutory requirements. Many people think it is some sort of quality inspection but it is not

And if the BC company is one working with the loft company, then they can sometimes be less stringent even with the limited checks they do

You may want to instruct someone to do a "snagging survey" or some hybrid report .. snagging/construction/quality. So be sure to instruct the correct person ... ie someone able to do this type of report