Taking a Builder to Court

sara2323

Does anyone have any advice or experience of taking a builder to court, basically we had an extension built on the side of the property work was completed last September.

The builder took a month longer to complete the extension than what was agreed which caused lots of problems and by this time I was so fed-up with it I just wanted it completed. He told lies throughout only to find out he was building another extension at one of our neighbours friends property.

He visited a about four times a week for a few minutes whilst he left two workers on site, who semed to do almost all the work. When I have confronted him he's just told me that there is no pont in him being there as the workers are there to do the work and he comes over to inspect.

At the end of it although it took longer than expected we just wanted them out, and had thought the extension gave us the space we needed though the finishing was quiet bad. I had discussed this with he Buildings inspector on two visits and she agreed although the workmanship was shoddy there was nothing they could do as their checks were very basic.

The problem is that some cracks have now appeared in the plaster on the side one one wall, and where the same wall joins the ceiling, the skirting boards have gaps between them and the wall as no fillings were used they were just screwed on (when this was being done I pointed this out and was told that this is was the way to do it) The plaster on the wall and ceiling is very badly done where the extension joins the existing house and a number of people have pointed this out.

Although I do not consider this as a major concern as we could probably have this fixed at some stage, what I'm really worried about is that the first floor extension is a lot higher that the exisitng house. He initially built a step to get to the new bedrooms and then changed it into a ramp. I had asked to explain why the extension floor has ended up higher that the exisiting floor I was told that the materials used (a girder) in the exising house were old and it was impossible to use them and this was the reason for the floor level being higher. I just feel so angry with myself for not questioning him more, we've then had it all carpeted and left it at that.

A few weeks ago we called an electrician over as we've had some problems with the electricity in the extension and he pointed out that the floor would affect the value of our house and should have been level, our neghbours have since had an extension built (by another builder) and the floor level is the same thoughout. I just feel so cheated.

We had a final visit by the inspector and she instructed him to do some work on the roof I withheld payment at this stage, he then completed the work and came around asking for the final payment and when I had enquired about the inspector's visit I was told she had visited and agreed the work was satisfactory and I paid him.

I've only found out that the Inspector never visited the property and has not issued a completion certificate as she requires a final inspection, when I've called I've been told that the builder should contact them.

I'm just so upset, sorry for the post being so long!

vansboy

You'll get lots of comments from other Moneysavers, but before court action & expense, if you don't mind telling your story on the radio, http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties has a VERY good consumer prog, weekdays 10am-1pm

If you e mail Stephen Rhodes on Contact Presenter box, there & see what they can do.

We're Beds/Herts/Bucks, but they help people out of the area, too. Unless your local station does the same?

VB