Flat uninhabitable - rainwater flooding through electrics

The_Green_Quarter

Hi Everyone,

I am a 33 year old woman from Aberdeen and have just joined the many hidden homeless in UK today. My compact studio is uninhabitable due to rainwater flooding through the electrics. I have been trying to get help for over one year, but seem to be falling through the cracks. I have spoken to the architect, building contractor, environmental health and building standards. I do not feel safe there.

PlymouthMaid

Hi, that sounds grim. Do you own or rent the studio. Have you had a roofer out to see where the water is coming in?

The_Green_Quarter

To explain further: there were grants of £2.4 million awarded. Five partnership agencies contributed to fund the 'regeneration' project of an important historic area in city. I personally paid almost £6000 of my own money. Including in the scope of works was replacing the roof, windows, downpipe etc. I believe one of the aims of the project was to improve the longevity of these historic buildings and make them watertight. The building is still leaking across five storeys, with main contractor painting windows shut. A surveyor I organised recommend structural timbers across three storeys need to be replaced. Some of these wooden lintels and joists support the common stairs. Whilst the works were being carried out, the tarpaulin was not secure and a deluge of water entered hallway. The fourth step up in common stairwell has cracked, spilt and partially collapsed. I had electrician up in May, but water coming through electrics still.

The_Green_Quarter

Hi Plymouth Maid,


No, I would never rent it out just now - I would never put someone at risk like that. It is not safe. I lived there happily for many years before the works were carried out - now it is worse than before. I wish I never paid the £6000. The main contractor has been back out to look after much pressure. They say roof okay. They promised this last week to take photos and send to architect as proof. No sign of them and they never showed up that day to fix windows either. The seals in double glazing are hanging down and they did not put handles on. They are not painted on inside and my neighbours is still painted shut from outside.

PlymouthMaid

Crikey that is all pretty dismal. Is there somebody in charge overall who can basically keep chasing until something is done? How long ago was the grant etc?

The_Green_Quarter

Hi Plymouth Maid,


Yes the architect is meant to be project managing the whole thing as far as I am aware. I have been told to push everything back through him. I am losing faith as recently I have had several false assurances and been left waiting for letter that never arrived and waited for builders to come on Tuesday as per email. They no showed. No response - architect was trying to fob me and went MIA for while. I politely and very sweetly mentioned to his telephonist that I would just pop in past his office since I was passing that way. I have now had to go to city council again. I first contacted them last summer. Legally they can only serve notice on all owners to carry out necessary repairs. They/we will have to try and recoup their monies from builder through small claims I guess. Job was supposedly finished summer 2013 but long list outstanding - final monies due to builder being withheld.

PlymouthMaid

It must be a nightmare - hopefully somebody will happen along with good advice but I didnt want to leave you with no replies. I suppose an architect must belong to some kind of professional body - maybe a complaint to them (or the threat of one) will get things moving along.

The_Green_Quarter

Thanks Plymouth Maid, I appreciate your advice. The builder is not part of any professional body. I am not sure why the contract for that whole regeneration project was awarded to them. I have no idea what the tender process was and who the decision maker was. The main building contractor has had 14 Health and Safety Executive enforcement notices since June 2011. The owner of commercial premises below said same thing as you - the architect's professional integrity is at stake. I will need to investigate that - thanks again.

The_Green_Quarter

So quick update folks before I rush off to work....gotta earn money to keep a roof over my head...or not as the case may be! Still paying council tax even though I not living there for months!


Sooooo, I wrote to Heritage Lottery Fund and Scottish Enterprise as I thought they may be interested to know how their funds have been spent and the end result. It is a matter of public interest I think!


Tomorrow after job I will try to pop into CAB to ask about CSVS.


Word of advice to anyone employing a builder: always keep back a decent retainer fee and Google the company name + 'HSE enforcement notices' before you employ them. Hindsight is always a wonderful thing, but maybe I can help prevent others falling into same situation.

The_Green_Quarter

Quick update: I got in touch with local councillors and MSP. Very nice guy called back today saying they were very concerned about situation, please could I come along to office tomorrow with all the papers.

PlymouthMaid

Well that is good news as it is a terrible situation for you and, as you say, a shocking waste of the funds. Naming and shaming seems like it wil be the way forward. Maybe the local papers next once the councillors and MPs get involved. Thanks for keeping us updated.