Flat uninhabitable - rainwater flooding through electrics

The_Green_Quarter

Thanks again Plymouth Maid - I appreciate your support. I just launched my online petition few minutes ago!

The_Green_Quarter

OK, so this thread is fast turning into a monologue. Never mind, I will keep updating anyways. I was a long time lurker on this site for about ten years before I was brave or desperate enough to post! Hopefully it helps someone else in similar situation.


Well, firstly, I saw this today: (okay I was going to post link here but not allowed! Google 'daily mail Fran ikin banner' and you will see).


It made me laugh because I did something similar myself about ten days ago. Only thing is I used red and white - my local cowboy's favourite colour - yeeha! It is getting some attention as it opposite hotel and is en route to major shopping mall. At least if nothing else, I got arguably the most expensive advertising space in Aberdeen right now? You think? I was thinking to get a local handyman to paint exterior of windows as they haven't been done in couple years. I like one in Irish green and the other in orange - that should make my sign really pop!


Secondly, I did start online petition with that site. It seems to be having an effect. The architect emailed me late at night when he is on annual leave - very nice of him. He acknowledges that I am right to be concerned about safety and says that our priority must be to fix RWP. Hopefully builders agree and get moving on that soon.


Word of warning if you do same: I have surveyor reports, photos and emails to back up my claims. I have not written anything I cannot prove. That is important - otherwise you will get done for defamation!!

littlerock

Definitely think you should report architect who is supposed to be managing project, to his professional body. But be warned, the professions are reluctant to take action against one of themselves without serious evidence. You will need chapter and verse, documented.

I should think your local council/Building Inspectorate and H&S would be interested if there is water getting into the electrics. l imagine the building has to get a certificate of completed development (or something similar) once it is finished, to get the last of the grant money released and that is awarded by the council.

Have you thought about sending your story to Private Eye?. They regularly feature this sort of thing and it is widely read, among the liberal classes which includes I assume members of grant awarding bodies.

The_Green_Quarter

Hi littlerock,


when the architect is ignoring me or has gone MIA, I definitely have days when I think I should report it. However, following my petition and what not, he did actually take time out last week during his annual leave to send me short email. In this, he acknowledged that yes, there are outstanding works, with biggest priority being RWP, which needs some attention at roof level and is failing about 2 feet off ground as well. This defective RWP, we think, is causing water ingress into flat above me, my flat, and then there is damp patch in common entrance below as well.


The builders want to come in and paint my windows, put handles on lower sash and fix seals. I said to them, yes I give them key, but only after leak fixed and electrical safety certificate obtained. The building firm got HSE enforcement notice when one of their carpenters were electrocuted on another job. The architect says my concerns about safety are valid.


What you said about 'looking after their own' rings very true. This is problem I have faced time and time again. That is why I am resorting to some different tactics. I would report architect if necessary, but I am actually nice person and give people all their chances and them some.


Private Eye going in my notebook though - thanks for that one!


PS - I went to environmental health last year. This year I contacted building control. Like trading standards - they are all 'the council' and I am still waiting on a response!

TBagpuss

Have you checked to see whether you have any legal cover under your insurance which might allow you to get some advice?