Builder causes extra expense - unsure of rights

pinkshoes

We had the flat roof of our extension replaced, as it was over 25 years old.

Due to all the heavy rain, it started leaking and a damp patch appeared on the ceiling.

We only got one quote, and went with it as it was reasonable, plus they could do it before school term started. I paid a 50% deposit.

On the day they were supposed to turn up (a lovely DRY day!!), no one showed, so I phoned to be told that they weren't coming as his workmate had phoned in sick, and it was a 2 man job.

8 days later they came to do the job, and in the mean time it had rained lots, and an even bigger water mark on the ceiling.

The plan was to let the ceiling dry out once the roof was done, use a spray on the damp patch, then re-paint.

As the roof already had thin insulation in some areas, they put the new stuff on top of it.

As they were pushing it down, a big section of the (damp) ceiling fell in.

They have put a plasterboard up in the gap, but left it like that.

Should it be us or them paying to re-plaster the ceiling, as it's an expense we weren't expecting?

I guess they could argue that the ceiling was waterlogged, so was likely to fall in, but to be fair, it wasn't that bad on the date they should have originally done the work!

I have no idea who is liable!

(also, anyone know how much to plaster a 9m squared ceiling??_)

Fosterdog

I wouldn't have thought they were liable if the damage was already done, just not apparent until they started the work, but I could be wrong.

They could argue that as the roof was already leaking you could have covered it with tarp or something else temporary to minimise the water damage.

My in laws recently had a leak in the bathroom that left a hole in the ceiling and they just used a pit of plasterboard and some of the ready mixed plaster (only a few £ for a tub and an easy DIY job) and then repainted the ceiling.

You would already be doing the repainting yourself so not a big DIY job at all to put on some ready mixed plaster if the hole is not too big, just wait of fit to dry and paint.

ETA: A local plasterer we had a price from charges £20 per wall/ceiling

hollydays

Typical of some workmen-doing several jobs at the same time..

pinkshoes

Fosterdog wrote: »

I wouldn't have thit stillught they were liable if the damage was already done, just not apparent until they started the work, but I could be wrong.

They could argue that as the roof was already leaking you could have covered it with tarp or something else temporary to minimise the water damage.

My in laws recently had a leak in the bathroom that left a hole in the ceiling and they just used a pit of plasterboard and some of the ready mixed plaster (only a few £ for a tub and an easy DIY job) and then repainted the ceiling.

You would already be doing the repainting yourself so not a big DIY job at all to put on some ready mixed plaster if the hole is not too big, just wait of fit to dry and paint.

ETA: A local plasterer we had a price from charges £20 per wall/ceiling

The roof was covered! The rain was so heavy it found its way in!

I'm quite sure the ceiling would have been fine once it had dried out.

I think they were a little heavy handed pushing the insulation and in.

plus if they had any idea it was going to fall in, surely they would have suggested we move the desk and computer that was underneath??? (Thankfully all fine, just a few light scratches on keyboard and dusty!)

unholyangel

Perhaps contact a few building companies and see if they would advise you of that under the circumstances? If they come back and say yes, then you may be able to show that they failed to carry out their duties with reasonable care and skill.

The few times I've ever had to deal with something like this (twice in total), we were advised to stay out of certain rooms/offices in case the ceiling gave way.

No idea whether its standard practice, but both times we've been advised about the risks.