Garden Log Cabin Problems - Advice Sought

frontman

Hi, I am researching the best way to solve a problem I have and hoped I might receive some general advice via this forum.

What did you buy?
A 6mx4m log cabin for my garden to be used as an office.

When did you buy it?
Approx October 2012 with it being built in Dec 2012.

Where from? (internet or in store - it DOES make a difference)
I bought it online from http://www.simplylogcabins.co.uk.

How did you pay? (cash/cheque/debit card/credit card etc)
Credit Card

What went wrong?
The sale and delivery process was generally trouble free. During purchase the vendor recommended a gentleman named Steve Troy to build the cabin and prepare it's base. They advised he was a guy they used a lot and was very good. Steve has not built the cabin to a suitable standard, on independent inspection we have measured the cabin to have sunk by 4cm at the rear causing an uneven floor and various linked issues. This issue was originally raised in May 2013 however Steve is not very responsive and he was only able to come and visually inspect the cabin in Oct '13, 5 months later.

What are the vendors telling you?
Simplylogcabins have claimed to have no connection to the construction and deny any part in the problem, they now refuse to discuss the problem at all. Steve claims the cabin to be level enough and not an issue. I, and the independent inspector, disagree. I am also concerned the cabin will continue to subside and eventually become bowed, warped and unsuitable for use. The independent inspector has written a letter stating he feels the base preparation, and general build, to be of poor quality and confirms subsidence of at least 4cm.

What solution or remedy are you looking for? (Companies may Repair / Refund / Replace)
I would like a level cabin designed to last and I am unsure whether my circumstances would stand up well in a civil case if I were to sue for remedial costs. I wouldn't really want Steve doing the job, I have given him the chance to see the problem and propose a solution already and his work to date has not been commendable. The cabin was paid for by credit card but Steve was paid in cash nearly £1000 for the build. He refuses to give me his business address so I am limited to email. He doesn't answer his phone, generally.

With the above information would anyone here be willing to comment or offer advice please?

Many thanks indeed.

comeandgo

What did Steve's contract with you say? Did you tell him about any problems there might be with the land, did you tell him you wanted him to make sure the land was suitable to build a cabin on or did you just ask him to build your cabin on the said piece of land.

frontman

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Any contract with Steve was verbal. Throughout the process I was pretty much reliant on both parties knowledge and expertise and would have expected them, especially Steve, to advise me on certain criteria related to the construction - inc. ground, base and any other influential factors.

I did advise Steve, although he could see, that the garden was on a slight downward slope, I provided pictures of the land to him via email before construction began. However I don't think this is a major issue, it's only very slight.

Bottom line is that the execution of the construction leaves a lot to be desired, inc. no sub base being laid, and has resulted in very early subsidence. That's the main issue for me right now.