Previous owners faking documents

emmathe37th

Okay, to cut a long story short, we purchased a house a few months ago. The previous owners converted the basement themselves (hence no guarantee). The survey said that the dampproofing in the converted basement was substandard. We obviously said we wanted it sorted.
The previous owners got a company round to do a report, which said the basement tanking was done to a high standard, and sent us a copy of this report via the estate agent.

After buying the property and taking a wall down, it is very clear that the basement hasn't been dampproofed adequately at all.
After searching for this 'company', we have come to the conclusion it doesn't exist and probably never did (the address does not exist and neither does the phone number). We believe that the previous owners have faked documents to encourage the sale.

Clearly, we know we have been rather naive, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. After speaking to our purchasing solicitor, they have said it will cost a lot in legal fees to pursue it, and we might not get anywhere.

How can I prove that this company never existed, and does anyone have any advice? We know where the previous owners work, but I don't want to rush in and start asking them questions directly if it would be better to do some research myself before that stage.

MelaBella

check if the company registered with the UK company house, you can easily do it yourself on the internet (even if it was liquidated since, the details aare still there). it is also important to look at the report which was provided to you and if there is any edorcements, signatures or particular names mentioned. the vendor could always argue that they hired someone and didnt check their credentials (actually it wasnt their legal obligation!), it s rather complicated,so the best is to consult no win no fee solicitor for advise.

RAS

Companies need to be regsitered with Companies House but partnerships and sole traders do not

http://www.companies-house.gov.uk/

DannyboyMidlands

So you had 2 reports, one from a surveyor working for you and one from the vendor/EA but you purchased on the basis of the second one?

What did each specifically say about the waterproofing system?

cr1mson

Not an expert but I would complain to your solicitor if they were they aware of the document?

Fire_Fox

You should have had your own damp report and quotations and knocked any costs off the offer price, not asked the vendors to do the work - this is standard practice. When someone is vacating they have no vested interest in doing work to a high standard, just cheap. What professional memberships or qualifications does the company/ specialist claim?

Establish for certain that this company does not and has never existed. Get a report from an appropriately qualified independent damp specialist, then three quotations from reputable companies. Investigate the small claims track at the county court and send the vendors a 'letter before action' (templates online) by recorded delivery or two copies from different Post Offices with a proof of posting each time. You need their home address for this DO NOT start harassing the vendors at work you will get yourself into a world of trouble.

roger196

A company can mean both a limited company ( registered at companies house) or a partenrship or sole trade eg Bloggs and Co. is not a limited company. Was any registration number given on the report.
To fake documents is a very serious matter eg fraud. So be very careful about suggesting this unless you have really good evidence. The report will often be biased to the person who pays for it, hence the expression he who pays the piper calls the tune.
I suspect there is little worthwhile that you can achieve other to learn to get your own reports not those of the other party.