New build flat / shared ownership disaster

orangeorganics

Hi all,

I moved into a new build flat less than a year ago. Unfortunately, I noticed problems almost immediately (we weren't allowed in to do snagging checks and were promised by the housing association this had been done), and it had an NHBC guarantee.

Since then I found out that drainage had not been designed in the roof above me, and the wall adjoining my flat had not been capped so rainwater was driving into my flat. I continually pointed this out to the housing association with pictures and evidence, and to the developer too, but they sent the wrong person to fix it and the job was left. The big thunder storm happened the other day, and my flat was flooded, along with several others which had dealt with the run off from the uncomplete roof. Several of the flats were trashed, and finally things have sprung into action. There was black mould on my internal walls which I'd initially noticed and been reporting constantly, as I was waking up ill and had to buy an air purifier, and this had already begun to spread before the floor.

Once we pulled up the carpets, I found more black mould underneath all the carpets, behind the skirting boards was more black mould, the smell of damp was disgusting and most of my plaster board is brown and rotting, all the way up to the ceiling. I'm worried there is more black mould behind the walls. This has spread so it has affected both my bedroom and living room, on both sides of the wall

They are now repairing the flat and have put me in alternative accommodation, and are "making good", but I'm concerned they will only do the bare minimum. I'm looking for advice on what to do next - how can I check that the repairs they do to my flat are adequate, and can anyone recommend a good snagging specialist who can help me?

Thank you.

eddddy

What you describe isn't really snagging, it's a building defect.

If you wanted to instruct a building surveyor, perhaps the best time to do it was before the work started. They could have seen the symptoms, and discussed the plan for fixing the problem with the developer.

Once the making good has been done, it will be hard to judge whether the developer has solved the root cause.

Perhaps the best plan is to wait to see if any dampness comes back, and then instruct a building surveyor to investigate.