New build house - solar panels not working

Bertie129

Hi,

We purchased a new build house from Foreman Homes that has a solar panel attached to the roof. However, the panel is not working and hasn't worked since we moved in three months ago. We reported this to the builder immediately and they sent somebody who flicked a switch in the loft, but the solar is still not working. Since then we've been contacting them on a weekly basis. They promise to arrange an appointment for the solar fitter to come back but they have still not been. It's now well beyond a reasonable time period, after three months.

Am I within my rights to arrange for an electrician to come and pass the repair costs to the builder?

Thanks!

pinkshoes

Write them a "letter before action" giving them a suitable time period (14 days) for them to arrange for someone to come and fix the problem. Tell them that if they fail to arrange the appointment within this time period, you will employ your own person to fix it, and send them the bill, taking them to court for the cost if necessary.

TrickyDicky101

pinkshoes wrote: »

Write them a "letter before action" giving them a suitable time period (14 days) for them to arrange for someone to come and fix the problem. Tell them that if they fail to arrange the appointment within this time period, you will employ your own person to fix it, and send them the bill, taking them to court for the cost if necessary.

If you go this route, you would need to fund the repair up front - you won't be able to get the repairs charged directly to the builder (as that would just move the problem from being yours to being the - completely innocent - repairer).

I'm not saying the LBA is a bad idea - it may give the builder the necessary kick up the bum. You just need to be aware it is not an immediate fix.

Bertie129

3 months later, the solar panel still has not been repaired! We wrote an LBA and have opened a case with the NHBC. Several attempts later the builders' sub-contractors have still not managed to repair the faulty equipment. Foreman Homes is now trying to claim they are no longer responsible for arranging any repairs and have written me an angry letter to this effect.

Clearly if I'm sold a brand new appliance included with a new build house and it does not work, the company that sold it is liable for this in some way under law. Just wondering, how am I protected here? Is it covered by the Sale of Goods Act as Foreman Homes are the supplier of faulty equipment, and have to repair, refund or replace? Or do we need to seek damages under contract law?

Thanks!

Hintza

You probably need to start quantifying the costs. You need a report to tell you how much repair/replacement work will cost.

Check neighbours to see if anyone has similar problems.

You need to get on with this. I hope you have a paper chain to prove when this all started.

Bertie129

Yes, we have emails going back to last October.

NotRichAtAll

The sun is shining?

sorry could not resist