New build - Compensation for slow resolution of problems

HWG

Hi all,
We moved into a new build 9 months ago and have had our gas cut off for five days now.

Short version: The developer is fixing it, but they keep getting it wrong and are in no rush to sort it out.

Long version: The developer is using a gas engineer that I don't have much faith in. He's twice "fixed" the problem, only for the National Grid to send someone out to close it off as an emergency, and issue us with certificates saying that it's "immediately dangerous" and mustn't be turned back on.

The gas engineer has failed to show up, and then has left it for days while he waits for a part. Meanwhile, we have family visiting and we're boiling pans of water for sad little sponge baths.

It's not the end of the world, but I'm annoyed at their lack of urgency, and willingness to endanger us with shoddy repairs.

So while they've accepted responsibility for the repair, I suspect that the threat of having to pay out compensation might spurn them into action. Do I have any grounds to do this? Or are there any standards I could draw their attention to that might make them more keen to get our gas back on this side of May?

Mathias123

Have a look at the Consumer Code for Homebuilders here:

http://www.consumercode.co.uk/home-buyers/what-is-the-code-and-why-is-it-important-to-me/

robatwork

Barratts by any chance?

HWG

robatwork wrote: »

Barratts by any chance?

No, actually! A reasonable guess though, from what I read...

HWG

Mathias123 wrote: »

Have a look at the Consumer Code for Homebuilders here:

http://www.consumercode.co.uk/home-buyers/what-is-the-code-and-why-is-it-important-to-me/

Thanks Mathias. I've read through that but couldn't find anything other than our right to complain (which we've already done).
I doubt there's any scope to take anything to small claims as we've not suffered any financial loss.

Any ideas to stop this dragging on? I just want to be able to heat the flat and take a shower!

Mathias123

HWG wrote: »

Thanks Mathias. I've read through that but couldn't find anything other than our right to complain (which we've already done).
I doubt there's any scope to take anything to small claims as we've not suffered any financial loss.

Any ideas to stop this dragging on? I just want to be able to heat the flat and take a shower!

I hope it isn't Taylor Wimpey? Currently buying a new build from them!

Have you complained using Resolver? It lets you escalate complaints to the next level and I have always had a successful outcome when using it. Or maybe constant nagging will make them sort it out?

robatwork

Try to get hold of the chief exec in the local regional office. Then get their agreement to refund the cost of an engineer you employ yourself as it isn't "safe".

When I had a saga, albeit with Barratts. but the big ones are much the same, what actually spurred them into action was a letter I sent and copied the local authority health & safety department about the shoddy state of the electrical installation.