Advice regarding new build leak out of warranty

kbartowski

I moved into a new build flat during May 2018, following a ten month delay as a result of the developer failing to register with the help to buy scheme on time.

This week a heating pipe burst in my bedroom wall cavity, the contents of which covered all floors in my flat. The builders repaired the leak as a guesture of goodwill and advised that the builders warranty expired in August this year. I was under the impression I had a two year NHBC guarantee but this is not the case.

The leak was caused by either a faulty or poorly fitted joint. I am now left with a hole in my wall and ceiling, sodden carpet/flooring and damage to my bed.

I am after some advice about what I do next. If I had moved into the property when I was supposed to (July 2017) the leak would have happened under the warranty period and I would have been covered. (The leak was inevitable due to the faulty part).

I can get the carpet replaced under my home insurance but my excess is £350. I am also waiting for details for the building insurance (which is part of my service charge) for the floors and walls. I just do not think it’s fair that I should be responsible for any of the costs given that the delays were out of my control/the leak would have happened regardless. Any advise would be appreciated.

G_M

The delays are unfortunate, but the bottom line is that


* you agreed to buy the flat on the date that you bpught it.
* on the date that you bought it, there was a warranty of 3 months. You agreed to buy on that basis
* you had the option to say "I insist on a longer warranty".
* you had the option to find another flat with a longer warranty.
* you rejected both those options and bought the flat with the 3 month warranty.

kbartowski

There was a year warranty starting in August 2017 but it just didn’t occur to me at the time that this would need to be extended as I was under the impression I had two years. I’ve gone back to my solicitor to advise

AdrianC

kbartowski wrote: »

The leak was caused by either a faulty or poorly fitted joint. I am now left with a hole in my wall and ceiling, sodden carpet/flooring and damage to my bed.

I am after some advice about what I do next. If I had moved into the property when I was supposed to (July 2017) the leak would have happened under the warranty period and I would have been covered. (The leak was inevitable due to the faulty part).

Would it have happened six months after moving in?
Or would it still have happened sixteen months after being assembled and pressurised?



The pipe would have been pressurised the whole time from commissioning the property, so the amount of time the property has been occupied is irrelevant.

Perhaps, maybe, who knows?

It's certainly fairly mediocre goodwill on the part of the developer. The best remedy there is never to buy from them again, and to spread the word among your friends and relatives.