Switch energy smashed my porch

emma.cook3

When installing free solar panels, a scaffolder dropped a heavy bit of metal on my porch roof- It is a pointed roof with different shaped glass panels on a wooden frame. The glass is reinforced with a metal grid. The object smashed one pane, and a small crack in the opposite pane was widened. The object then fell on a plant pot, breaking the rim. Two pairs of shoes got tiny pieces of glass in them- one of which i had to throw away because the shards embedded in the fabric. They have taken over a month to get anyone here to look at it. I believe the wooden frame was compromised and is no longer safe but can’t prove that. They just keep delaying- saying that glass wont be safe so they want to replace with polycarbonate. They are refusing to replace the wooden strut which was hit by the metal as its not visibly damaged- this worries me as it was a heavy piece of metal, dropped about 3 meters  and I want my roof to be safe. They are also refusing to replace the other pane- saying they will pay half. The have totally ignored the other damage every time I mention it. What rights do I have here? I am so sick of the phone calls and e mails.
Thanks 

[Deleted User]

You can reasonably expect them to pay for consequential damage, but not for things you believe to be be damaged but which show no evidence of damage.

Aylesbury_Duck

As above.  If you want to claim for more, you need evidence of the cost of damage.  You can't expect to claim for what might be damaged.

Get the porch properly looked at, and get a good estimate of what is actually needed to fix it and what it costs. Paying half towards a pane that was already damaged sounds fair.

I've ignored the shoes.  They're unlikely to make a material difference to your claim.

emma.cook3

Its not a claim- They are supposed to be fixing it. But 2 months later they still haven’t so I am writing a complaint. I have been trying to just get it fixed so its safe- but not getting anywhere. I wanted glass, to match the existing glass but they say it might not be safe if the frame was damaged so they want to put in polycarbonate instead- which won’t match. Its a period property and an attractive decorative porch.  

Aylesbury_Duck

I meant that if you can't reach agreement, small claims action is your ultimate route.  Given the situation so far, a claim looks likely.

TELLIT01

I certainly wouldn't accept polycarbonate instead of glass.  The glass isn't dangerous unless another scaffolder drops something onto it.

cx6

you need to get a progessional estimate of what is needed to be done and the cost eg from a local builder.

once you know this, contact the firm and give them time to comply othetwise take them to the small claims court for the amount.

peter_the_piper

emma.cook3 said:

Its not a claim- They are supposed to be fixing it. But 2 months later they still haven’t so I am writing a complaint. I have been trying to just get it fixed so its safe- but not getting anywhere. I wanted glass, to match the existing glass but they say it might not be safe if the frame was damaged so they want to put in polycarbonate instead- which won’t match. Its a period property and an attractive decorative porch.  

Surely if they say that it unsafe to use glass because of a damaged frame then they seem to be admitting they damaged it.

emma.cook3

peter_the_piper said:

emma.cook3 said:

Its not a claim- They are supposed to be fixing it. But 2 months later they still haven’t so I am writing a complaint. I have been trying to just get it fixed so its safe- but not getting anywhere. I wanted glass, to match the existing glass but they say it might not be safe if the frame was damaged so they want to put in polycarbonate instead- which won’t match. Its a period property and an attractive decorative porch.  

Surely if they say that it unsafe to use glass because of a damaged frame then they seem to be admitting they damaged it.

They are saying because the wood is old, the new glass may be too heavy and be unsafe. I think the polycarbonate is cheaper! 

ThumbRemote

Get your own independent quote. Their own workers are more concerned with doing it cheaply than doing it well. 

emma.cook3

ThumbRemote said:

Get your own independent quote. Their own workers are more concerned with doing it cheaply than doing it well. 

Yes, this is what is worrying me. Thanks