Who is responsible for repair costs?

Be_Happy

Topic that cropped up in recent conversation has me puzzled. Any one know the answer?

New houseowner renovates house and finds damp. Turns out this has developed gradually over the years due to building work done on the adjoining house around 10 years ago. Problem was out of sight and no-one was aware of it until now. Neighbouring house has changed hands since building work.

Who can be held liable for repair costs?

New householder (one doing renovation)
Previous householder who sold him the house.

Present neighbour.
Previous neighbour who had the building work done.

-taff

Present neighbours insurance

Be_Happy

Thanks -taff.

My concern was that during the discussion it was thought that a claim could be made against the person who originally had the work done.

We expect to move next year. We've had a lot of work done on our house over the years - all by reliable builders and with no known problems. House next door is not kept maintained and would probably be renovated by anyone who bought it.

I was panicing at the thought of being presented with a claim, well into the future. over something we knew nothing about and had no relevant house insurance for.