New House Build - Warranty period for defects

davcoa

Hi, I have bought a new build property. I noticed a defect within the 2 year residents liability period. (leak from underfloor heating system)
I have been advised by the builder that I must get a plumbers report (and pay for it) then send it to them to access what they will do about the issue. Is it my responsibility to arrange for a plumber visit, pay their fees etc then wait to see if the builder will resolve the issue or should the builder arrange to get a plumber to visit & report back to them?
I hope someone could advise....thanks
David

Keep_pedalling

No idea, I would not delay getting a plumber in to fix the leak to prevent serious water damage.

eddddy

Maybe a reasonable approach would be that you arrange for a report, and if the problem turns out to be the builder's fault (and covered by the warranty), the builder refunds you the cost of the report and repairs the fault.

It might be sensible to confirm that in writing (e.g. email) with the builder.

The alternative might be for the builder to arrange for a report, and if it turns out not to be the builder's fault, you refund the cost of the report to the builder.  But if you instruct a plumber, they are more likely to produce a report that favours your side of the story.

Having said that, I think it would be more sensible to get a report from a professional building surveyor than from a plumber, but that's likely to cost a lot more.


Edit to add...
Having said that... I'm assuming it is a complex issue For example, involving taking up floor tiles etc, to investigate and fix.

Maybe what the builder really wants is for you to get a quote from a plumber for fixing the leak. If it's, say, £150 - maybe the builder will just pay it, because it's not worth the hassle.

So maybe you can ask a plumber for a (free) quote anyway, as a starting point.

davcoa

Thanks edddy, that’s really helpful comments, much appreciated 👍

visidigi

Are you claiming under the product warranty (underfloor heating) or the warranty of the house itself? The latter I would expect the builder to do the discovery (they have traditionally done this with us).

davcoa

Hi visidigi

Thanks for your response.
I’m claiming under warranty on the house itself. (The 2 year residents liability warranty.)
When you say you you would expect the builder to do the “discovery” .......do you know that for sure or is it your opinion? This is the issue I currently have, trying to determine what should happen as part of my consumer rights.
thanks again for your input 👍

visidigi

So on our new build house, if claiming under the warranty at the time the warranty was offered by the builder and therefore they would come out to inspect and repair/replace as needed.
So of the utilities were under warranty beyond the house warranty and for those we had to go to the manufacturer for support.

It sounds like your builder is enforcing CRA regulation where after 6 months the onus is on you to provide fault which they will address and reimburse - but our new build was all done directly with the builder and after that we would have to prove fault.

davcoa

Thanks again for your comments visidigi, really helpful 👍👍